COVID Vaccine Booster Shots Start Saturday In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will start giving booster shots of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine this weekend following the CDC recommendation of boosters for certain people.

According to the health department, booster administration will begin Saturday. Pfizer booster doses will be available anywhere Pfizer vaccine is being administered.

Per the CDC, boosters are recommended for those who got their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, are either 65 or older or live in a nursing home, or 50 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk of serious complications from COVID-19.

In addition to those who are recommended to receive a booster dose, the CDC encouraged some people to consider getting a booster dose. Those who are eligible include people who have received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, are 18 to 49 years old with underlying medical conditions, or work in higher-risk industries such as healthcare, education, and other higher-risk occupational or institutional settings

The Health Department has recommended to all COVID vaccine providers in Philadelphia that have Pfizer vaccine to begin administering booster doses to all eligible people.

Visit the city's vaccine website here to find the closest vaccine clinic to you.

"We all know how dangerous COVID-19 can be for older Philadelphians, those living in nursing homes, and those with underlying conditions," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. "With the authorization of booster doses for people who have completed the two-dose regimen of Pfizer vaccine, we can now be sure that they have the maximum level of protection, and I encourage everyone that’s eligible to seek out their booster dose as soon as possible."

Research has shown that some people who have completed the two-dose regimen of the Pfizer COVID vaccine have experienced waning immunity over time, though the vaccine still provides impressive protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.