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COVID-19 Vaccine

Erie County COVID-19 Vaccination Program

COVID-19 Vaccine Information – February 10, 2021

Erie County is following Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance. The phases are as follows:

COVID-19 Vaccination Phases in Pennsylvania
(click to enlarge)

We are in Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution plan. When we complete Phase 1A, we will move to Phase 1B, and then Phase 1C, and then Phase 2. Our local partners are vaccinating people as quickly as they receive vaccine.  The demand is higher than the supply so it will take some time to vaccinate everybody who wants the vaccine. When our state and federal partners update the guidelines, we work to make those changes in the vaccination plan for Erie County.

Steps to receive the vaccine:

  • Step 1: Check to see if you are eligible
    • When is it MY turn to get vaccinated? Take the PADOH “Your Turn” quiz today!
  • Step 2: Find a Vaccine Provider
    • For assistance: click on the PA Vaccine Provider Map and type your address or a place you visit frequently into the search bar. Zoom in or out to find the nearest provider.
  • Step 3: Contact a provider to schedule an appointment
    • At this time, appointments are REQUIRED. There is limited vaccine available and if you go to a site without an appointment, they will not have a vaccine dose available for you.
    • The Erie County Department of Health is partnering with the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging to conduct COVID-19 vaccine clinics. To schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Erie County residents can call 866-LECOM19 (1-866-532-6619) or email vaccineinfo@lecomslc.org. You can also schedule an appointment directly by going to lecom.eventbrite.com.  Appointments will be scheduled based on vaccine availability and the state Department of Health’s distribution plan. The vaccine is free.
  • Step 4: Be sure to get both doses

Vaccination for groups in Phase 1A

  • Vaccine is limited at this time. Erie County is still vaccinating health care workers and long term care facilities residents.
  • As of January 20, 2021 the PA Department of Health expanded phase 1A to include persons 65 and older, and persons age 16-64 with certain medical conditions. Although the amount of people eligible to receive the vaccine was expanded, the amount of vaccine available each week has not increased.

Vaccination for groups in Phase 1B and 1C

  • We are waiting to receive more vaccine to finish Phase 1A. As we finish one priority level, the county will move to the next and provide more details.
  • We ask that there be one Point of Contact per organization.
    • If you have not heard from your employer yet – please be patient. More information should be coming soon.

Vaccination for Phase 2 (General Public)

  • It will be several months before people in Phase 2 receives a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Please stay informed by watching press conferences and announcements on our webpage. We will provide information about vaccine distribution in Erie County as that information becomes available.

How Can I Help?

  • I want to provide COVID-19 vaccines.
  • I would like to volunteer at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
  • I am an employer in Phase 1B or 1C.
    • Start to gather a list of employees who would like to receive the vaccine and their contact information (phone number and email).

CDC Fact Sheet Translations

Frequently Asked Questions

  • COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ: Updated January 15, 2021
  • I received the vaccine, what next?
    • 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.
      • Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering (mask)
      • Stay at least 6 feet away from those you don’t live with
      • Avoid crowds
      • Practice good health habits such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and wiping down high-touch surfaces
      • Download the COVID Alert PA mobile app

Vaccine Safety Information

  • The first thing you should do if you believe you have, or are currently experiencing, a bad reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination is to contact your healthcare provider. You can then report the adverse event using the following tools:
    • Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
      • VAERS is a national system that collects data on adverse events that happen after a vaccination.
      • An adverse event can be reported to this system online or using a fillable PDF form.
      • If you need additional help submitting a report, you can email info@VAERS.org or call 1-800-822-7967.
    • CDC V-Safe App
      • “V-safe” is a new smartphone-based tool from the CDC that will check in on your health after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. You will receive instructions on how to enroll after receiving the vaccine.
      • You can register for v-safe here.
  • The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines:

Additional Resources