PHILADELPHIA—Following the U.S. CDC’s announcement recommending booster doses for certain people who receive the Pfizer vaccine, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health will begin administering those booster doses to eligible people tomorrow. The CDC has recommended booster doses for people who have received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and meet the following eligibility criteria: 1) they are either 65 or older or live in a nursing home, or 2) they are age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk of serious complications from COVID-19. 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. Pfizer booster doses will be available anywhere Pfizer vaccine is being administered.
“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.”
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 and are 1) age 18 to 49 and have underlying medical conditions, or 2) they work in higher-risk jobs like healthcare workers, teachers, or in 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.
In order to help members of the public who may be confused by the new recommendations, the Health Department has published a blog post on the City’s COVID-19 website that offers information on booster doses, a table that explains who should get which vaccines, and some frequently asked questions about booster doses.
For more information about the City’s response to the COVID pandemic, people are encouraged to visit the COVID-19 website at https://www.phila.gov/covid. To find the closest vaccine clinics, including where to get Pfizer vaccine, visit https://www.phila.gov/vaccine.