On December 10, 2021, following the approval process by the federal government, the PA Department of Health (PDH) confirmed that Pennsylvanians 16 and 17 years old are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose after six months of completing the primary series.

“The Department of Health urges all eligible Pennsylvanians who have yet to get vaccinated to do so immediately and for those people who are eligible to receive a booster shot to get that added level of protection as soon as possible,” Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said while visiting the community COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Gettysburg College yesterday.

While anyone 18 years and older may receive any vaccine regardless of which brand of vaccine was received for primary vaccination, those who are 16 and 17 years old are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Pennsylvania vaccine providers, including pediatricians, primary care physicians, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers, are able to schedule booster doses and are ready to administer booster appointments now.

Dr. Johnson echoed the importance of vaccines for those eligible, including those 5 to 11 years old. “The COVID-19 vaccines are our best protection against the virus,” Dr. Johnson said. “The pediatric vaccine is safe, and it is highly effective at protecting children against COVID-19-related illness, hospitalization, and death. I am impressed by the tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who are stepping up every day to get their first, second or third dose of vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors against COVID-19.”

To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you, please visit www.vaccines.gov.