The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently announced a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for certain adults who were fully vaccinated by Pfizer at least six months ago. This comes after an in-depth approval process by the federal government.
“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 Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam. “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.”
The final recommendation from the CDC includes:
– People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings
– People aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions
– People 18-49 with underlying medical conditions, based on their individual benefits and risks
– People aged 18-64 who are increased risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional settings
The dosage and medicine of the Pfizer vaccine are the same in the primary doses, the additional doses recommended for people with compromised immune systems, and the booster doses.
“We 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.”
Additionally, Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that 85 percent of Pennsylvanians aged 18 and older have received their first COVID-19 vaccination.
“Today, the commonwealth has reached another milestone against COVID-19 and protecting ourselves and our loved ones against this deadly virus,” he said. “I would like to thank all Pennsylvanians who have done their part to stop the spread of the virus and strongly encourage all eligible Pennsylvanians who have not yet gotten vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.”
As of Sept. 24, Pennsylvania vaccine providers have administered 12,645,207 COVID-19 vaccines. The commonwealth ranks ninth in first doses administered.
Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that, since January 2021, 97 percent of COVID-19-related deaths and 95 percent of reported hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were in unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated people.
“The data is clear – COVID-19 vaccinations save lives,” said Wolf. “In fact, the data shows that compared to unvaccinated people, fully vaccinated individuals are seven times less likely to get COVID-19 and eight times less likely to die from COVID-19. We cannot stress the importance of getting vaccinated enough. Vaccines are safe and effective. Please, get yours today.”
