Getting the COVID Vaccine
Getting the COVID Vaccine
Updated September 27, 2021
Almost 7 million Pennsylvania adults are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
Use this guide to find out how to get a vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccination process in Pennsylvania, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
If somebody has taken drugs and becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. These resources are intended for preventive measures only.
Why Vaccines?
Vaccines are safe and are the best way to protect yourself and those around you from serious illnesses.
The COVID-19 vaccine can keep you from getting COVID-19, and is supposed to lessen symptoms if you do contract the virus.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience sickness.
Learn more about how the government is ensuring the safety of vaccines.
Who Is Eligible?
All Pennsylvania adults are eligible to be vaccinated. Adolescents ages 12-15 can received the Pfizer vaccine.
Federal health officials are working to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5-12.
Step 1: Find a Vaccine Provider
Click “Find a Vaccine” below to find a place to schedule your vaccine.
Vaccine providers include hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies. Providers have to be registered to receive the vaccine — so make sure your chosen provider is listed before continuing to Step 3.
PHILLY RESIDENTS: The city has its own vaccination plan. Go here for vaccine information and to find a vaccine near you.
Veterans, their spouses, and caregivers are eligible to receive vaccine through Veterans Affairs. Visit the VA website for more information.
Step 2: Contact A Provider To Schedule An Appointment
Contact the vaccine provider of your choice directly from the map above to schedule an appointment for your vaccine.
When you get the vaccine, you and the person administering the vaccine will both need to wear masks that cover your nose and mouth.
You will receive a vaccination card that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. The card also will remind you to return for a second dose if needed.
Learn more about how to prepare for your vaccine.
Step 3: Be Sure to Get Follow-Up Doses
The Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. You will have to return to your vaccination provider to get the second dose of the vaccine before you are done being vaccinated.
If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are fully protected after one dose.
Booster Shots
Pfizer Vaccine Booster
A booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by FDA and CDC and is rolling out Pennsylvanians who have received both original doses.
Please note that it is not advisable to mix vaccine brands.
The Pfizer booster is available and encouraged for:
- People age 65 and older
- Residents in long-term care settings
- People ages 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions
The following people can receive a Pfizer booster and may wish to do so based on their individual benefits and risks:
- People ages 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions
- People ages 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting
Please consider consulting your health care provider on your personal circumstances before scheduling an appointment.
Find a provider near you to schedule.
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Boosters
Boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not available.
Please await further public health guidance regarding booster doses if you received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Request A Replacement Vaccine Record
Did you lose or misplace your COVID-19 vaccine card? Get a copy of your record from the Department of Health one of two ways:
- ONLINE: Request your immunization record.
- BY MAIL OR EMAIL: Fill out this form and mail or email it in.
You will need to upload or send in a copy of your photo ID to access your records.
Commonwealth Employees
Commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate care facilities are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7, 2021.
Individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
Additionally beginning September 7, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment.
Starting October 1, 2021, all vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are eligible for an additional 7.5 or 8 hours paid time off.
Questions?
Use the buttons below to get even more information on COVID vaccines in Pennsylvania.
You also can call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
#GotMyShotPA
You can help fight misinformation on vaccines and encourage vaccination among people you know by sharing your vaccine experience.
Use #GotMyShotPA on social media to share selfies, details on why you got vaccinated, and info on the side effects you experienced.
Download visual resources, such as social media graphics, posters, and more.
