A booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for certain adults who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, including residents in long-term care settings.
The state Department of Health announced on Monday that it will immediately make the booster available for eligible Pennsylvanians after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 booster for certain adults.
The CDC currently recommends the booster for people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings, anyone over the age of 18 with underlying medical conditions and anyone at risk for COVID-19 exposure.
“Vaccine providers in Pennsylvania are ready to administer a booster dose of Pfizer to folks who are eligible and already fully vaccinated with Pfizer,” said Alison Beam, acting Secretary of Health. “While COVID-19 cases are increasing across the commonwealth, it is vitally important that individuals understand that the vaccine continues to be highly effective against severe illness from the COVID-19 virus – including the highly transmissive Delta variant. People who are eligible to receive a booster dose of Pfizer will benefit from additional protection.”
Last week, Beam signed an order to ensure that vaccine providers were prepared to start scheduling COVID-19 booster shots following CDC’s authorization.
“Please await further public health guidance regarding booster doses for individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines for their primary series,” Beam said. “In addition to being ready for boosters, providers continue to administer first and second vaccinations to Pennsylvanians every day. Being fully vaccinated provides the best protection against COVID-19 for you, your loved ones and your neighbors.”