• This page is intended to give you more information about the COVID-19 vaccines.

    Informed decisions are based on facts.  

    Everyone must make their own decision regarding this vaccine.

     

    What are the differences between the types of vaccines?

    Here is a recorded webinar that explains the types of vaccines and how they work.

    COVID-19 Vaccines and Clinical Trials

     

    How will you know when it's your turn to get the vaccine?

    The PA Department of Health has a site for tracking where to get the vaccine and who is eligible in the phased rollout.  

    PA DOH COVID Vaccine Information

     

    Where can you get the vaccine? 

    The demand for vaccine is far greater than the supply right now.  It will eventually even out, but it will take time and patience.    There are many locations where you can register and be contacted when the vaccine is available as you become eligible.  Here are a few links.  This list is not all-inclusive.

    MyLVHN Portal - For the Lehigh Valley Health Network, if you have an account already, simply sign in.  If you do not have an account, you will need to register and create an account.

    St. Luke's Health Network COVID Vaccine  - For the St. Luke's Health Network, you can create an account and be notified when you are eligible for the vaccine.

    Hartzell's Pharmacy - is a COVID vaccine provider.  Please check their website for availability.

    Allentown Health Bureau Vaccine Clinics - The Allentown Health Bureau is scheduling appointments through this site. 

    The Allentown Health Bureau has created a hotline for Lehigh County residents aged 65 and older.  Intended only for scheduling appointments, this hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and has a variety of language options.  The number is 610-890-7069.  Please note that there may be a lengthy wait on hold, and that this hotline is ONLY for Lehigh County residents, aged 65 and older. 

    Bethlehem Health Bureau - The Bethlehem Health Bureau is scheduling appointments through this site.  The dates and times are limited. 

     

    Will the COVID-19 Vaccine be required for attendance in school?

    There is no current requirement for this vaccine for our school-aged population in Pennsylvania. 

    The Moderna vaccine is recommended for those over 18 years old.  The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is recommended for those over 16 years old.  Both are currently studying the effects for children and there are studies beginning for the 12-16 year old population.

     

    After the Vaccine:

    - Be sure that you know the number of doses of the vaccine you need.  Please get the second dose as appropriate

    - Yes, there are some side effects.  But they are mild and don't last long.  

    - Yes, we will still need to wear masks and socially/physically distance even after receiving the vaccine.  It is uncertain as yet if a vaccinated person can still spread the virus as a carrier.  

    - The GOAL is HERD IMMUNITY!  If enough people are immune to the virus itself, it then protects the remaining part of the group.  However, that number is very high and is estimated at about 75-80% of the population at this time.  And that would be the world population.  According to experts, there are two ways to get immunity - the disease or the vaccine.  

     

    What about vaccine protection against the mutations of the virus?

    The vaccines are expected to be effective against the mutations according to current belief.  See this link for the full article:

    Will Coronavirus Vaccines Work Against New Variants 

     

    If you have specific questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines and your family's health needs, please contact your primary care provider.

     

    ~ last updated on February 11, 2021