COVID-19 Vaccine

All information subject to change without immediate notice.

What You Should Know

 

  • All COVID-19 vaccines are FREE
    • No insurance needed
    • Vaccines available for 6 months and older
    • Immigration status will NOT be asked
  • To find vaccination sites near you
      • text your ZIP Code to 438829 (English) or 822862 (Spanish)
      • visit vaccines.gov
      • call 1-800-232-0233
        • Not all sites may be able to provide vaccinations
          for 11 year-olds and younger, call ahead to confirm first.
  • Homebound individuals who want to be vaccinated can call 814-566-4184 or 814-844-3155.

Erie County COVID-19 Vaccination Program

Erie County Department of Health Mobile Vaccination and Booster Clinic

  • Visit Facebook.comEriePAHealth for news on upcoming events.
  • No insurance needed. For ages 5 and older.
  • Persons 17 years and younger must be accompanied by adult parent or guardian.
  • Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna available. Johnson and Johnson available while supplies last.

Additional information:

AHN Saint Vincent Hospital (Allegheny Health Network  Saint Vincent Hospital)

LECOM Center for Health & Aging

LECOM Center for Health & Aging
3910 Schaper Ave., Erie

Mon-Fri 9 AM – 5 PM (Tuesdays until 7 PM)

Call 814-488-3939
Email vaccineinfo@lecomescl.org
Visit lecomiasaging.com

LECOM Institute for Successful Aging

Things to Know When Getting the Vaccine

Before

After

If having a bad reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination

  • contact your healthcare provider
  • report the adverse event using the following tools:

The COVID vaccine provides protection from the virus. However, it is still important that we continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic and keep Erie County safe.

  • Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from those you don’t live with
  • Avoid crowds
  • Practice good health habits: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and wipe down high-touch surfaces

Vaccine Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the following COVID-19 vaccines:

It has approved the following vaccines:

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety FAQ

Where can I get a shot in Erie County?

COVID shots are free to all people in Erie County aged 6 months and older. The CDC also suggests boosters for all people 5 years and older, if eligible, and it has been at least two months since your last dose. To find clinics, see https://eriecountypa.gov/COVID/COVID-shot.

How do the COVID shots work?

The COVID shots work by teaching your body to know what the virus looks like and how to fight it. This keeps you from getting very sick with COVID.

Can getting the COVID shot give me COVID?

No. The COVID shots do not have any live virus in them, so there is no way for it to make you sick with COVID.

Does the shot keep me from getting sick?

No shot works all the time, and this is also true for COVID shots. Getting the COVID shot will help you fight the virus better, which may keep you from getting very sick and needing to go to the hospital.

How many doses do I need to protect me from the virus?

The CDC says you have full protection when you get the minimum number of doses for each vaccine. If getting Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax you need at least two doses plus a booster.

How long does it take for the shot to work?

It takes about two weeks after you are done with the first series of shots for them to work.

I have heard the term "vaccine efficacy." What is that?

Efficacy tells us how likely a vaccine is to protect you from getting sick with a disease.

Do I have to pay for the shot?

No, they are free to all people who live in the United States, no matter what insurance you have or where you are from.

Can I get my second dose in Erie County if I got the first dose somewhere else?

Yes. Please bring your vaccine card with you. Clinical staff will ask to see it.

Do I need to get both COVID doses at the same place?

No. You may get each dose at a different place. Please take your vaccine card with you.

I am not a US citizen. Can I get the shot in Erie County?

Go to vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

I do not live in Erie County. Can I get the shot in Erie County?

Go to vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

How old do I have to be to get a COVID shot?

The CDC recommends that all people aged 6 months and older should get their COVID vaccine.

They also recommend one updated (bivalent) booster dose for:
- Everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose.
- Children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

Can I take pain medicine before getting my shot?

Do not take pain medicine such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Ibuprofen before getting your shot. Please talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Will the shot affect other meds I take for other health conditions?

No, they do not usually affect other drugs that you take. If you have worries about a drug you are taking, please talk to your doctor.

Do not stop or wait to take any drugs given to you by your doctor before getting the shot, unless your doctor tells you to.

Can I get the shot at the same time as other vaccines, such as Flu?

Yes, you can get the COVID shot at the same time as other shots.

Why must I wait 15 minutes after getting the shot?

You should wait for 15 minutes in case you have side effects. Medical staff will check to make sure you do not have any bad reactions. If you have had bad allergic reactions in the past, you may have to wait longer than 15 minutes.

I am not feeling well after getting my shot. What should I do?

You may take a mild pain or fever medicine like Ibuprofen, aspirin, or Tylenol after getting your shot, but not before. Please talk to a doctor if you have any questions or worries.

How will I feel after getting my shot?

You may feel sick for a short time after getting the shot, but this will go away in a few days. This is normal and means your body is building up what it needs to fight the virus. You may have some mild pain, redness, or swelling in your arm where you got the shot. You may also be very tired, have a fever, chills, muscle pain, an upset stomach, or headache. It is also normal if you do not feel sick after getting the shot.

I did not get my second dose when I was eligible. Do I need to start over?

No, you can get your second dose at any time after the date that you are eligible.

How long do the shots last?

The length of protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines varies based on several factors, including the type of vaccine and the person's age, immune status, and overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data from clinical trials and real-world studies suggest that the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) provide strong protection against COVID-19 for at least six months, and likely much longer. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html)

Why get the shot if I might get COVID anyway?

If you get the shots, you do not get as sick and you are less likely to die.

I already had COVID, so why should I get the shot?

People who get the shot after getting better from COVID are less likely to get sick again.

I am sick with COVID now. Should I go get a vaccine or booster?

No, not until after your isolation period ends. You may wait up to three months from when your symptoms started. If you had no symptoms, the three-month period starts when you received a positive test.

I lost my vaccine card. Can I get a new one?

If you lost your vaccine card or do not have a copy of it, contact your vaccine provider directly to get a new card. If you got your vaccine through the Erie County Department of Health, please call 814-451-6700 for help.

I am not able to get a new card from my vaccine provider. What should I do?
If I got my shot and still get mildly sick with COVID later on, am I able to spread it to others?

Yes. The virus enters your body through your nose or throat, and when you cough or sneeze, you may still spread the virus to others in the community.

I cannot leave my home due to a disability. How can I get a shot?

1. Contact your doctor, or
2. Call the Erie County Department of Health at 814-451-6700.

If you are not able to get a shot through one of these, you can:
• Call The Aging Network at 1-800-677-1116
• Search the Eldercare Locator using your zip code at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx
• Contact the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or,
• Call the hotline for Medicare recipients at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048).

They made the shots so quickly, how were they able to do this?

The science for these vaccines has been around for many years, so it is not new. Since COVID is a worldwide issue, researchers had access to more money to use for development. Researchers working together all over the world also made it faster. They were able to do steps at the same time that, in the past, they did one after the other.

How do I know the shots are safe?

Even though the shots came quickly, the technology for shots like these has been around for decades. They completed all the normal steps to create a shot and to ensure they work and are safe.

What are common side effects from COVID shots?

Common side effects include:
• Pain, redness, or swelling where you got your shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
These side effects are normal and may last for a couple of days after vaccination.

I have heard about "adverse effects." Is this the same as "side effects?"

Common side effects include:
• Pain, redness, or swelling where you got your shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
These side effects are normal and may last for a couple of days after vaccination.

I have heard about "adverse effects." Is this the same as "side effects?"

No, these are different things.
• Side effects are usually expected and are things to look out for after vaccination, such as high temperature, muscle pain, joint pain, etc.
• Adverse effects, also known as "Adverse Events" are usually not expected and are often dangerous reactions that need be reported immediately.

What should I do if I have unusual side effects from my shot?

Contact your doctor, let them know you recently got the shot, and tell them about your side effects. We learn more about side effects all the time, so what you are going through might be more common now.

What should I do if I have a serious reaction to the COVID shot?

If you are having a serious reaction, call 911 and contact a doctor. The CDC and the FDA ask that anyone who feels very ill after getting the shot should report their symptoms using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at https://vaers.hhs.gov/data.html.

The CDC also uses a smartphone app called "V-safe" to check in on people's health after they get a COVID shot. You can use this app to report any problems or bad reactions you have after getting a shot. Learn more at https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/.

What allergic reactions should I look out for after getting the shot?

A severe allergic reaction can cause:
• difficulty breathing or wheezing,
• a drop in blood pressure,
• swelling of the tongue or throat, or
• a rash or hives

I had an allergic reaction to my first COVID shot. Should I get the second one?

No. Do not get the second dose if you have had a reaction to your first dose of the shot. Ask a doctor if you should get a different type of COVID shot.

Should I get the shot if I am allergic to an ingredient in a COVID shot?

If you have an allergy to something in the shot, talk to a doctor before getting the shot.

What does Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mean?

When public health emergencies happen, the FDA may declare that an emergency use authorization is needed. This means the FDA may allow unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used.

Is there a test to make sure the shot is doing its job, like an antibody test?

No. At this time, there is no test to show that the shot is working.

What should I do if I have allergies not related to vaccines?

COVID vaccines do not contain latex, eggs, or gelatin. You do not have to worry if you have allergies to food, medicine, or pollen or animals. If you have any questions, please talk to a doctor.

Can the vaccine hurt people who have cancer or problems with their kidneys or liver?

The vaccines are safe for people who have these problems. Check with a doctor to know if the COVID vaccine is safe for you.

I have an autoimmune disease. Can I get the vaccine?

If you have an autoimmune disease, ask a doctor if the vaccine is safe for you.

I take drugs to suppress my immune system. Are the vaccines safe for me?

Yes, and it is even more important for these people to be up to date on their shots. People with these medical conditions are more likely to:
• Go to the hospital with COVID
• Have to stay in an ICU, and
• Die because of the virus

If you have a transplant, ask a doctor if the COVID vaccine is safe for you.

Will the vaccine cause fertility problems?

No. There is no data to show the vaccine causes fertility problems.

Do I need to give consent before my child can get a vaccine or booster?

Yes. The Erie County Department of Health has a consent form that parents must fill out and sign before their child can get a shot. If you have questions about the policies of our health partners, like LECOM and AHN, you can call them directly.

Will we have to keep getting boosters?

We are not sure yet, but it looks like yearly COVID shots and boosters will likely be needed in the same way that we get a flu shot each year.

Does the need for more shots mean that the shots and boosters are not working?

No, it does not mean they aren't working. Vaccines and boosters only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines.

Are the boosters different from the vaccine in any way?

Yes. The bivalent boosters are made to protect us from both the original COVID virus as well as new variants.

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety – Boosters FAQ

What is a booster?

A booster is just another dose of a vaccine after your primary series. It helps you fight the virus after other things like natural immunity or vaccines no longer keep you from getting sick.

What is a "bivalent" booster?

Bivalent means that it is a mix of two versions of the vaccine. The booster targets both the original COVID strain and the BA.4/BA.5 Omicron variants.

Why do we need boosters?

Vaccines only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines. Boosters help build protection when the vaccines don't work as well as they did.

A couple of examples of other common vaccines that require boosters are tetanus and diphtheria.

Who is eligible for a booster?

CDC recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for everyone aged 5 years and older if it has been at least 2 months since your last dose, whether that was:
• Their final primary series dose, or
• An original (monovalent) booster.

CDC also recommends one updated (bivalent) booster dose for children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series and if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months–4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

People who have had more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

Will we have to keep getting boosters?

We are not sure yet, but it looks like yearly COVID shots and boosters will likely be needed in the same way that we get a flu shot each year.

Does the need for more shots mean that the shots and boosters are not working?

No, it does not mean they aren't working. Vaccines and boosters only last for a period of time in our bodies before they become less effective. This time period is different for all vaccines.

Are the boosters different from the vaccine in any way?

Yes. The bivalent boosters are made to protect us from both the original COVID virus as well as new variants.

What are the side effects of boosters?

Some adults and children may have mild side effects. These include pain, redness or swelling at the spot you got your shot, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, high temperature, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but can happen.

What does "fully-vaccinated mean?"

This means that you got all of the vaccine shots required for your age and health, but no boosters.

What does "up-to-date" mean?

This means you got all of the vaccine shots required for your age and health including all recommended boosters.

I got a J&J shot and J&J booster. Should I get another booster?

Yes. CDC says that people ages 12 years and older should get one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
• Their final primary series dose, or
• An original (monovalent) booster

People who have had more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster.

Does it matter which bivalent booster I get?

It depends. The CDC says that people aged 5 and older should get one of the bivalent boosters, no matter which shot you chose for your first doses.

Children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna primary series should get the bivalent booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last dose.

There is no booster recommendation for children aged 6 months–4 years who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Can I get a booster at the same time as other vaccines, such as Flu?

Yes, you can get the COVID shot at the same time as other shots.

What will happen if I do not get a booster?

The shots work very well to prevent severe sickness, hospital stays, and death. But, we know that they do not work as well after a few months, and we know that other variants are forming. As other variants emerge, booster doses will help protect you.

Are boosters and "additional" doses the same thing?

No. Some people with certain medical conditions have a hard time creating the cells they need to fight COVID with their first doses. Another dose helps them build more cells to fight the virus from the start. Boosters help people who have built enough cells to fight the virus, but over time have lost strength and they need a "boost."

When should I get the new bivalent booster?

The CDC urges all who are eligible to get an updated booster at least 2 months after their last dose. The timing can depend on your age and health.

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety – Novavax FAQ

How is Novavax different from the other shots?

Novavax is made from protein in the virus. This is the same way other vaccines have been made for years. Novavax uses the spike protein found on the surface of the virus. After getting the shot, the immune system causes an immune response against the virus.

Can we get Novavax in the U.S.?

Yes. On July 13, 2022, the FDA gave Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the two-dose Novavax vaccine for people 18 and over.

What other vaccines have been made this way?

Many of the other vaccines we have all had for years were made in this way. These include the vaccines for Tetanus and Diphtheria.

Does Novavax have side effects?

The most common side effects are pain, tenderness, redness and swelling where you get the shot, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and fever.

I have heard about the chance of Myocarditis with the other vaccines. Is there more or less risk with Novavax?

Myocarditis and pericarditis may be rare side effects of Novavax. More data needs to be collected to know for sure.

I am worried about getting Myocarditis. Should I just skip the shot?

No. While each of the shots has a small risk of giving you Myocarditis, the COVID virus itself is far more harmful to your heart. The risk of Myocarditis from the virus is much higher than the risk of getting it from one of the shots.

Why did Novavax come out so much later than the other shots?

There were some delays in making the vaccine. At first, the company did not have the ability to make the amount of vaccine needed. There were also a few delays in getting approvals, which is normal when making vaccines.

Who is eligible for the Novavax shot?

Anyone aged 12 or older can use Novavax for their first and second doses.

How many shots will I need?

Novavax requires 2 doses, 3 to 8 weeks apart in individuals 12 years of age and older. It cannot be used as a booster.

Is Novavax safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes. Novavax is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can I get Novavax for my second dose if I got a different shot for my first dose?

CDC does not recommend mixing products for your first doses. If you received Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax for the first dose of your primary series, you should get the same product for the 2nd dose in the primary series.

People who have low immunity and need a 3-dose primary series should also get the same vaccine brand for all 3 doses.

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety – Omicron FAQ

Is the Omicron subvariant more contagious?

Yes. Over time, viruses learn how to make more people sick and to do it more quickly. The Omicron variant spreads more easily than any others and it is now the one making the most people sick.

Will my shot protect me against Omicron?

COVID vaccines help to keep you from getting severely ill or being hospitalized from COVID. While Omicron is more likely to get past your immune system, getting the shot will make you less likely to have severe illness.

How can I protect myself from Omicron variants?

Make sure that you and your loved ones are up to date on COVID shots and boosters. Also, wear a mask when around others and when you are not able to distance yourself. Avoid crowds when possible. Wash your hands often.

Will COVID booster doses help?

Yes. Vaccines and boosters are still the best way to protect yourself. It may not prevent you from getting sick, but you will be much less sick if you are up to date on your shots.

Will a test tell me if I have a specific subvariant?

No. Tests that we have will only tell you if you have the virus. They cannot tell you which variant you have.

Why do we need a booster for Omicron?

The vaccines we have had until now were made to prevent sickness from the original COVID virus. Since then, there have been many changes (mutations) to the virus. While the original vaccines work very well, they do not work as well with the changes in the virus.
The new booster targets the Omicron variants, as well as the original strain of COVID.

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety – Omicron FAQ

Why should I vaccinate my child against COVID?

The shot is the best way to protect children from getting very ill or having long-term health problems from COVID.

Even if your child does not get very sick, a COVID infection could still cause health problems in the future. Your child can also spread the virus to someone who is at risk for severe illness—like a grandparent, someone at church, a teacher at school, or anyone in your community.

Why did it take so long for the vaccines to get approval for children?

Studies were not started in children until after the adult trials showed they were safe and they worked. It also took time to figure out which ones work safely for children and how much to give them.

How do we know the shots are safe for kids?

The COVID shot for children has been fully tested and reviewed by the FDA and CDC. It was shown to be safe and worked well at keeping kids safe from COVID. The FDA and CDC will keep tracking shot safety, including among children.

Do I need to give consent before my child can get a shot?

Yes. The Erie County Department of Health has a consent form that parents must complete and sign before their child can get a shot.

If you have questions about the policies for our health system partners, like LECOM and AHN, you can call them directly.

My child has already had COVID. Do they still need to be vaccinated?

Yes. You should get your child a COVID shot even if they have already had COVID.

A past COVID infection does not protect you against getting COVID again. Data shows that people who did not get a shot after being sick are twice as likely to get COVID again.

How can I prepare my child for their COVID-19 shots?

Getting a shot can be scary for kids. For some tips to help you comfort your child before, during, and after their shot, see https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/before-during-after-shots.html.

What about the side effects of my child getting the shot?

Mild side effects are common and go away in one to two days. Your child may have a sore arm, tiredness, headaches, or a slightly high temperature. Other symptoms include chills, muscle/joint pain, nausea/vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes.

Can my child get the COVID shot at the same time as other shots?

Yes. It is safe for eligible children to get a COVID shot and other routine vaccines during the same visit.

Is it safe for my child to go to school with others?

Yes, as long as you follow the proper guidance. In-person learning is critical for children and remains a priority.

To make in-person learning safer, get your child vaccinated and teach them to protect themselves by:
• Wearing a well-fitting mask
• Washing their hands
• Social distancing
• Staying home if they are feeling sick
• Getting tested if they were exposed to the virus or they have symptoms.

I am pregnant. Should I get the shot?

Yes, if you have questions talk to your doctor first.

Are the shots safe for people who want to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding?

Yes. All people who are pregnant, want to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should be up to date on their COVID shots.

I have heard about many risks to getting the shot while I am pregnant. Is it worth taking the risks?

Yes. Data shows that the COVID shot does not cause problems during pregnancy. Getting sick with COVID itself can be very risky during pregnancy.

Having COVID increases the risk of severe illness in pregnant people and for the early birth of the baby. It might increase risks for other problems during pregnancy.

A shot can protect you against severe illness and help keep your baby safe.

What can I do to reduce the risk of getting COVID while I am pregnant or recently pregnant?

It is urgent for people who are or were recently pregnant, and those who live or visit with them, to protect themselves and others from getting COVID.

Follow the basics of getting vaccinated, masking when around others, and avoiding crowds. You should also limit time in person with people who might have been around COVID. This includes people in your household, as much as possible.

If you or someone in your household is sick with COVID-19, follow guidance for isolation.

See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/isolation.html

What should I do if I get COVID while I am pregnant?

Call your doctor if you have any worries about your pregnancy, if you get sick, or if you think that you may have COVID-19.

How do I care for my baby at home if I have COVID?

The CDC recommends you:

• Stay home to separate yourself from others outside your home
• Isolate (stay away) from other household members who are not infected, and wear a mask in shared spaces
• Have a healthy caregiver who is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and not at higher risk for severe illness provide care for your newborn (see recommendations below)
• Follow recommended precautions if you must care for your newborn before your isolation period has ended

Am I able to breastfeed my baby if I am sick with COVID?

Yes. Current evidence suggests that breast milk is not likely to spread the virus to babies.

Experts urge that you:
• Use your own breast pump and properly clean it after every use.
• Be sure you are up to date on your vaccines and boosters.
• Wear a mask when breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before breastfeeding or expressing breast milk.
• If you do not have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Is it ok to get the COVID-19 shot when breastfeeding?

Yes. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, there is no evidence that the shot causes issues. In fact, their breastmilk will have antibodies that could help protect their babies. You do not have to pump and throw away your breastmilk after getting the COVID shot.

Will the shot cause fertility problems?

No. There is no data to show the shot causes fertility problems.

Is Novavax safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes. Novavax is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is Novavax safe for children?

Yes. Anyone 12 or older can get the Novavax shots.

Can I take Paxlovid if I am pregnant or plan to be pregnant?

Yes. Findings from a Johns Hopkins Medicine research study show that people who are pregnant and have been infected with COVID can safely take the antiviral drug Paxlovid to reduce the possibility of severe disease.

I have heard about an anti-viral drug called Lagevrio. Will it cause problems with my pregnancy?

Lagevrio has not been studied in pregnant people yet.

Do not take Lagevrio:
• If you are pregnant, can get pregnant during treatment, or are breastfeeding.
• If you could become pregnant, be sure to use an effective barrier type of contraception. Or, do not have sex while taking it.

Vaccine and Vaccine Safety – Immunocompromised People FAQ

What does "immunocompromised" mean?

This means that you have a weak immune system, which makes it harder to fight infections and other illnesses.

Low immunity can be caused by:
• Some illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and some genetic disorders.
• Some drugs and therapy for cancer, and stem cell or organ transplant
• Age and smoking history

Is Novavax safe for people who have immunity problems?

Yes. Novavax can be used as one of the 3 primary doses for people who have low immunity.

Why do I need a third dose if I have low immunity?

In people with low immunity, the first two doses may not be enough to fight the virus. A third dose raises immunity to prevent you from getting sick or becoming seriously ill.

What is the difference between a third primary dose and a booster?

For people with low immunity, the third dose provides them extra protection from getting sick or becoming seriously ill. For people who do not have low immunity, the third dose is considered a booster to rebuild immunity after the shots have worn off.

When are people with weak immune systems seen as up-to-date on their shots?

If you have low immunity, being up to date means you have gotten all doses in the primary series, plus any booster(s) for which you are eligible.

Do I have to show proof that I am immunocompromised when I get a vaccine or booster?

No.  Simply tell the staff that you have low immunity when you arrive.

I am on dialysis for kidney disease. Can I take Paxlovid?

No. If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, do not take Paxlovid. Levels of the drug can become too high and could cause increased side effects.

How to Help

  • To assist seniors without internet access get the vaccine, contact
    • Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC)
      Senior Helpline at 814-459-4581 ext. 400

Resources