Norristown, PA, July 29, 2022 – The Wolf administration emphasized the need for access to COVID-19 vaccines for all Pennsylvanians during a visit to Norristown Regional Health Center.
“The Department of Health has been working with providers across the state to help ensure that the vaccine is available in every community in all corners of Pennsylvania,” said Acting Secretary of Health and Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. “We want to ensure that there is equitable distribution to all residents, regardless of where they live. Access and availability to this vaccine for our children provide comfort for parents, teachers, pediatricians, and community members across the commonwealth. I know that there are centers like this around the state helping to make sure that everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines and other critical health services.”
Following the approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccine providers across the state are now able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations for children six months and older, as well as adults. This approval offers a three-dose Pfizer vaccine for children under five years old and a two-dose Moderna vaccine for children under six years old. Both vaccines are approved for children as young as six months.
The Department of Health notes that pharmacists across the state are only allowed to provide COVID-19 vaccines to children ages three and older, so parents seeking appointments for children under three should contact their pediatrician, family doctor, or other qualified physician. Parents can also visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider nearest them.
Norristown Regional Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center that is part of Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc. (DVCH). DVCH is a private, non-profit healthcare organization that provides quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. They offer vaccines during walk-in hours and by appointment, including the newly approved pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for ages six months to four years.
Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson was joined by local state legislators Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, Rep. Tim Briggs, and Rep. Liz Hanbidge, along with DVCH President and CEO Dr. Scott McNeal, and VP and CMO Dr. Julia DeJoseph. “Even if your child has already had COVID-19, they should still get vaccinated,” Dr. Johnson said. “Emerging evidence indicates that people can get added protection by getting vaccinated after they have been infected with the virus. I strongly encourage all eligible Pennsylvanians to get fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. It is critical for parents to make sure their children receive the complete series of shots for the vaccine to be as effective as possible. The CDC says for the vaccine to reach its efficacy, children need to receive the recommended three doses of the Pfizer vaccine and two doses of the Moderna vaccine.”
