COVID-19 Vaccines at Penn Highlands

Vaccine Sign-up Now Available

If have questions, please call the PHH Vaccine Information Line at 814-503-4735 Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.

Pfizer BioNTech is authorized for individuals ages 5 and older; Moderna and J&J/Janssen is authorized for individuals ages 18 and older.

Do I have to get vaccinated twice?

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two vaccinations. You must get the same brand of vaccine as your first dose.

• If you receive the Pfizer vaccine, you will need to be vaccinated again 17-21 days after the first.
• If you receive the Moderna vaccine, you will need to be vaccinated again 28-30 days after the first.
• Your second vaccination will be scheduled during the first dose vaccination.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is a single dose vaccine.

Should you receive an additional COVID-19 Vaccine (Booster) Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 12 and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot five months after completing their initial vaccination series.

If you received Pfizer-BioNTech, everyone age 12 and older should receive a vaccine booster shot 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Adolescents age 12-17 years old can get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster. Adults 18 years and older can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.

If you received Moderna, Adults 18 years and older should get a booster at least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. You can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.

If you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Adults 18 years and older should get a booster at least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. You can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.

If you are 18 years or older you may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

For moderate to severely immunocompromised children 5 to 11, the agency recommends a third dose 28 days after the second shot.

What should I bring with me when I’m getting vaccinated?

Your government issued photo ID (i.e. driver license). Medicare Card/Insurance Card. Covid-19 Vaccination Card. Mask.
Please do not show up earlier than 15 minutes for your vaccine appointment.

Is there a cost to be vaccinated?

The federal government is providing the vaccine at no cost, but there is a fee for the vaccination. Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance will cover the expense. Please bring your photo ID, Medicare / Insurance Card with you when being vaccinated.

What is the cash price to be vaccinated?

The vaccine is free, however there is a fee to be vaccinated. We accept Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial Insurances. If you don’t have insurance, there is no fee, but you are required to bring your government issued ID to the vaccine.

Do I need a doctor’s order to get vaccinated?

No. However, if you have underlying health conditions, you may want to contact your physician to discuss the risk and benefits of getting vaccinated.

Do I need to have a Penn Highlands primary care doctor to get vaccinated?

No. If you have a physician who is not affiliated with Penn Highlands (i.e. UPMC, Geisinger, etc.) you should contact your doctor first to try to get scheduled through them. If they are not able to get you vaccinated, please call 814-503-4735.

Which vaccine is Penn Highlands providing?

• Pfizer
• Moderna
• Johnson and Johnson

I would recommend asking which vaccine you are receiving once you arrive at the vaccine clinic to confirm.

How long will it take to complete vaccinations?

This will vary based on the availability of vaccine. However, it is anticipated that the vaccination process will take many months going from one phase to the next.

Can getting a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?

No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed in the U.S. don't use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it's possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated.

What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?

A COVID-19 vaccine may cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including:

• Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain

You will be asked to wait 15 minutes after getting your COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an immediate reaction.

Most side effects happen within the first three days after vaccination and typically last only one to two days. The COVID-19 vaccine may cause side effects similar to signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and you develop symptoms more than three days after getting vaccinated or the symptoms last more than two days, self-isolate and get tested.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions?

If you’ve had allergic reactions to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Can a pregnant (or breastfeeding) women get the COVID-19 vaccine?

We recommend that you talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of being vaccinated.

Is the vaccine safe?

If you have questions about the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor.

I don’t have a doctor, how can I get one?

To find a doctor, you can visit Penn Highland’s website at www.phhealthcare.org/findadoc or you can call 814-375-6644 and they can assist you in finding a primary care physician.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I've already had COVID-19?

If it was more than 90 days since having COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you receive the vaccine. However, if you have questions about the vaccine, you should contact your primary care physician.
If it is has been less than 90 days, we recommend that you contact your physician to discuss.

Read additional FAQs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me to My Appointment?

• Wear a face mask to your appointment
• Bring ID, ie. drivers license or other government issued
• Download, print, complete and bring the COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Form to your appointment
  • Minors under the age of 18 are not able to consent to vaccinations on their own. They must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to the vaccine clinic.

• Health Insurance Card
• Calendar to schedule second dose

What Will Happen at My Vaccine Appointment?

You will receive a vaccine card that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it and where you received it. You will also get a fact sheet that tells you more about the specific COVID-19 vaccine you got. Each COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet to help you understand the risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine.

You will be observed on-site for 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine. During this time, we’ll help you schedule your appointment for your second dose. We’ll also give you information about v-safe, a free smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more about v-safe.

What Do I do if I Need to Cancel My Appointment?

Please call 814-503-4735 and select the vaccine prompt. A COVID-19 Vaccine Representative can help you from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.