COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Información sobre la vacuna COVID-19 en español

VACCINE AVAILABILITY UPDATE: Vaccine appointments are being scheduled or rescheduled around vaccine supply, which is very limited at this time.

How to get your vaccine:

Lancaster Health Center & Welsh Mountain Health Centers currently receive COVID-19 vaccines directly from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Vaccine amount and availability is decided by, and limited by, the state of Pennsylvania.

As we receive COVID-19 vaccines, we will administer them based on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s guidelines and phases, and patient priority. Please keep checking this page for updated information. 

Not sure if it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania? Find out here.

We are currently vaccinating:

  • Lancaster Health Center & Welsh Mountain Health Centers staff
  • Community EMS and healthcare workers not affiliated with hospital systems
  • Existing 1A Lancaster Health Center patients* age 65+ and age 16-64 with a qualifying high risk condition:
      • Diabetes
      • Cancer
      • CKD
      • Down Syndrome
      • Heart conditions (CHF, CAD, cardiomyopathy. No mention of HTN)
      • COPD
      • s/p solid organ transplant
      • HIV
      • Immunocompromised (solid organ transplant, blood or BM transplant, immunodeficiencies, HIV, chronic steroids)
      • Smoker
      • Obesity (BMI > 30)
      • Sickle Cell disease
      • Pregnancy

*If you ARE an existing 1A Lancaster Health Center patient age 65+ or age 16-64 with a qualifying high risk condition, please call 717-299-6371 or request an appointment through our Patient Portal.

*If you are ARE NOT an existing 1A Lancaster Health Center patient, don’t lose hope if it’s not your turn yet. Although our community doesn’t have enough vaccine for everyone who wants it right now, there will be more in the future. You can find more information about where to get vaccinated at Vaccinate Lancaster or Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services.

A closer look into the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • mRNA vaccines: The Moderna & Pfizer vaccines are a new type of vaccine that use messenger RNA (mRNA).
  • mRNA explained: mRNA is like an email that tells your immune system what the virus looks like, instructions to kill it, and then disappears. 30 years ago, scientists started developing mRNA vaccines – which do not contain the virus, unlike traditional vaccines such as the flu shot.
  • How we got to the COVID-19 vaccine: mRNA vaccines are much faster to make than traditional vaccines. When the pandemic struck, scientists used the coronavirus’s gene structure to create the right mRNA sequence. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a black female physician and scientist, was instrumental in the development of the Moderna mRNA vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer were the first two vaccines authorized by the FDA.
  • Safety protocols and adequate testing: Both were a part of developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Global funding for COVID-19 vaccines allowed for very large, well-run clinical trials that have shown us that the vaccine is safe.
  • Vaccine effectiveness: The Moderna & Pfizer vaccines are 94-96% effective in preventing you from getting very sick from COVID-19 two weeks after you’ve received your second shot.

Facts about the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • 2.3 million people have died from COVID-19 and no one has died as a result of a negative side-effect from the vaccine.
  • It will not give you COVID-19.
  • The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not have dangerous ingredients, fetal cells, eggs or preservatives.
  • COVID vaccines have not been linked to infertility or miscarriage.
  • It will not cause you to test positive on a COVID-19 test.
  • Receiving a vaccine will not change your DNA or your genes.
  • Two doses are needed in order to be fully vaccinated.
  • The vaccine itself will be free, regardless of insurance.
  • Immigration status will not be asked or considered.
  • Everyone is, and will be, getting the same, available, real vaccine.
  • You will still need to wear a mask after receiving the vaccine to protect those who aren’t yet vaccinated.

Benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Getting vaccinated will ensure that you don’t get very sick or hospitalized from COVID-19. It is very unlikely you will get any COVID-19 symptoms even if you were exposed once you are fully vaccinated.
  • Getting vaccinated may also protect your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and clients from getting sick, especially those who may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated.
  • The vaccine is a safer way to build protection in our communities and an important tool to help stop the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine side-effects:

  • After vaccination, you may have some flu-like side-effects. This does not mean you are sick – it’s a sign that your body is building protection and will be ready to fight the virus!
  • Most people feel slightly stronger side-effects after their 2nd dose. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help with these side-effects.
  • Most people have reported feeling happy, healthy, and back to 100% after 24-48 hours!

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine resources:

Lancaster Health Center & Welsh Mountain Health Centers are currently administering the Moderna vaccine to staff, community EMS and healthcare workers not affiliated with hospital systems, and existing 1A Lancaster Health Center patients* age 65+ and age 16-64 with a qualifying high risk condition. 

Here are some questions and facts to read  before receiving the vaccine: