With the recommendation from the CDC, adolescents age 12 to 15 years old can receive a Pfizer booster dose beginning five months after receiving their second dose. The booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the same dosage (0.3 milliliters) as a single dose.
The Lehigh Valley Health Network and Geisinger both announced availability of the booster this week.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) began offering the boosters and third shots for these age groups Thursday, Jan. 6.
“Preliminary research has shown that booster shots help strengthen our protection against new variants of COVID-19, like omicron,” said J. Nathan Hagstrom, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. “Data suggest that levels of protection from the initial series can decrease with time. Offering the Pfizer booster shot at five months instead of six months after the initial series provides significant reduction in risk of acute illness and other complications of COVID-19.”
Those interested in receiving the booster can schedule an appointment through MyLVHN app or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD), Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m
Geisinger announced the availability of the booster on Friday with appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Philipsburg and Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton.
If you are interested in receiving the booster through Geisinger, you can make an appointment for a first, second, third or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.