10-29-2023 12:47am

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) ExpressCARE Locations

Lesley Misko Editor

All Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) ExpressCARE locations are currently offering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations for most people, 12 and older. No appointment is needed.

By providing access to COVID-19 vaccination at ExpressCARE, LVHN is expanding availability for people throughout the community.

Who can get a COVID vaccine at ExpressCARE?

Most people 12 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at ExpressCARE. One exception is people 12-18 who have Medicaid coverage. ExpressCARE is not a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider, so children in that population cannot get their shot at ExpressCARE. However, all LVPG Family Medicine and LVPG Pediatrics locations are VFC providers, and families can schedule vaccines with their child’s primary care office.

Can children under age 12 receive COVID vaccines at ExpressCARE or Children’s ExpressCARE?

Neither ExpressCARE nor Children’s ExpressCARE will provide COVID vaccinations to children under 12. Parents and guardians of children younger than 12 will need to make an appointment with their child’s primary care office for a COVID vaccination.

When is ExpressCARE open, and where can I get more information about hours?

ExpressCARE is open year-round and provides care for minor illnesses and injuries. There are 20 ExpressCARE locations throughout the region. Find an ExpressCARE near you, as well as check wait times, by visiting LVHN.org/expresscare.

What is the guidance for COVID-19 vaccinations this year?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Vaccination is intended to reduce risk for severe disease, hospitalization and death following infection with COVID. Recent data presented by the CDC indicates the COVID vaccine results in a lower likelihood of developing long COVID-19.

The new monovalent COVID-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech (as well as Moderna) are designed to provide more focused protection against newer stains of the virus, including XBB.1.5, a more recent descendent of the omicron variant.

Will I have to pay for a COVID vaccination?

Insurance will cover the cost of the vaccine, though an administration fee could apply in some cases. Please check with your insurance carrier for coverage information. The CDC has a Bridge Access Program for uninsured and underinsured adults.

Does Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) offer COVID vaccinations?

LVPG Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics practices offer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines by appointment. Please call your primary care doctor’s office to schedule.

If you have any questions concerning COVID-19 vaccination scheduling, call 888-402-LVHN (5846).

Where else can I receive a COVID-19 vaccination?

Many pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies are offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

When should I get a COVID vaccination?

The CDC recommends the following if it’s been at least two months since you received the older, bivalent COVID vaccine:

• Those 5 and older should receive one dose of the 2023-24 mRNA COVID vaccine.

• Children ages 6 months through 4 years will need one dose if previously vaccinated. Children 6 months through 4 years with no prior COVID vaccination will receive a series of two (Moderna) or three (Pfizer-BioNTech) doses.

• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should discuss vaccination strategies with their doctor. The number of doses recommended will depend on prior vaccination status and age.

If I have recently had COVID-19 illness, how long should I wait for a COVID vaccination?

The CDC says you can wait at least three months after having COVID-19 illness. Check with your primary care doctor for guidance on when you should schedule your COVID vaccine after you have recovered from COVID illness.

Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is ranked as the region’s No. 1 hospital for eight straight years and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top six hospitals for eight consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, including No. 5 in 2021-22, the only hospital in the region ranked in the top five. Additional information is available by visiting LVHN.org or following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.