Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Last updated: November 3, 2021
Pennsylvanians age 5 and over are now eligible for the COVID vaccine.
More and more Pennsylvanians are getting vaccinated every day. Here are resources to help individuals, families, and businesses follow safety guidance and get vaccinated.
If somebody has taken drugs and becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. These resources are intended for preventive measures only.
Popular Resources
Get Vaccinated
Pennsylvanians age 5 and over are now eligible for the COVID vaccine. Kids ages 5-11 and adolescents ages 12-15 can receive the Pfizer vaccine only.
Find a Vaccine
Use the vaccine provider map to find a place to schedule your vaccine.
If you received the Moderna or Pfizer COVID vaccines, don’t forget to go back for your second dose. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are fully protected after one dose.
Track Pennsylvania’s Progress
Check out the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to track the progress of vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania.
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 may even 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.
What If I’ve Already Had COVID?
Because experts don’t know how long immunity lasts after someone get sick with COVID-19, a vaccine would still offer important protection to Pennsylvanians who have already had COVID.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost?
Vaccine doses purchased with American dollars will be provided by the federal government at no cost.
Learn More
Get the latest vaccine updates and answers to frequently asked questions from the Department of Health. If you have questions about the vaccination process in Pennsylvania, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258.
COVID-19 Dashboard
Check out the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Dashboard to see up-to-date data on case counts and demographics, hospital preparedness, and testing.
COVID Mitigation in Pennsylvania
COVID-19 mitigation measures have been lifted in Pennsylvania.
Businesses and organizations may continue to implement mask policies.
All businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow CDC safety guidance.
Local Guidelines
Municipalities may continue to implement stricter mitigation efforts.
A Secretary of Health order requires masks to be worn inside K-12 school buildings, early learning programs, and child care providers. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021.
The Wolf Administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions. The following counties are under additional local guidelines:
Suspended Regulations
See a list of suspended regulations here (updated 11/1/21).
Get Help
Businesses
To help navigate through the potential financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Pennsylvania businesses, the state and federal government are offering loans to help offset the revenue lost.
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website for the most up-to-date information on resources and loans for businesses.
Unemployment Compensation
NOTICE: Federal unemployment benefit programs, including Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), ended on September 4, 2021.
Other resources are still available to those who may need them.
Other Financial Help
Credit Cards
If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your credit card or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus. For guidance, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or contact a credit counselor near you.
Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities
If you can’t cover your mortgage payment or rent, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Do not wait until you’re behind on payments. Some lenders may work out an agreement with you to waive late fees, set up a repayment plan or offer loan forbearance.
If you are at risk for eviction or loss of utility service help is now available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Pennsylvanians can submit applications online at compass.state.pa.us.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Chairman has also put protections in place for low-income Pennsylvanians. Learn more about these protections.
Home heating help is available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Learn more and apply for the program.
Food Assistance
Pennsylvanians out of work and without pay, or with significantly reduced hours as a result of COVID-19, are eligible to receive state and federally sourced foods from Pennsylvania’s food banks and pantries. Find a pantry near you, then give them a call to make arrangements.
There are many other food assistance resources available. Find a comprehensive list on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.
Mental Health Resources
It’s normal to feel stress around COVID-19. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not an indication of weakness.
Use the Mental Health Resources guide to find more help and information available to Pennsylvanians
