COVID-19 Vaccine Season Is Here

The virus that causes COVID-19 is still prevalent in the community, and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) are prepared with the updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to help protect you and your loved ones.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently approved updated COVID vaccines aimed at variants that have been circulating more recently in the U.S. and worldwide. “According to recent data from the CDC, COVID was the 10th-leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2023, down from fourth in 2022,” says Timothy Friel, MD, Chair, Department of Medicine, LVHN. “Though the toll of COVID has decreased from the peaks of the pandemic, this infection remains an important threat to members of our community, especially older Americans and those with underlying medical conditions.”

Alex Benjamin, MD, Chief Infection Control and Prevention Officer, LVHN, says one of our most effective tools against serious illness and death from COVID is vaccination. “Following an unexpected wave of cases in the U.S. throughout the summer, we are pleased to be able to make the updated COVID-19 vaccines available to the communities we serve. The approval of these vaccines could not come at a better time. Vaccination remains one of our most important sources of protection from severe disease and hospitalization,” Dr. Benjamin says.

To receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine, call your LVPG primary care clinician’s office directly to schedule a vaccine appointment. If you don’t have an LVPG primary care clinician, call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or visit LVHN.org/find-a-doctor to find a doctor near you and establish care.

If you have a well visit with your LVPG primary care clinician, you also can have your COVID-19 vaccination given at that time.

Children 6 months to 11 years can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their primary care clinician’s office. Call your child’s primary care office to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

For walk-in convenience, people 12 and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at any of our LVHN ExpressCARE locations, no appointment needed. Children younger than 12 must receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a primary care clinician’s office and cannot receive the vaccine at ExpressCARE.

What if I’ve had COVID illness or received a COVID vaccine recently?

You must wait 60 days from your last COVID vaccine to receive the updated shot. It’s also recommended to wait 90 days from your last COVID infection before getting the updated shot.

If I had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS), can I still get vaccinated against COVID-19?

The CDC recommends that you wait 90 days after you were diagnosed with MIS before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Do I need to stay with the same vaccine brand as prior COVID shots?

You do not need to receive a COVID vaccine of the same brand.

Can I also receive other vaccines at the same time as the COVID-19 shot?

Yes, you can receive your annual flu shot or other vaccinations at the same time as the COVID-19 shot.

Where else can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?

Retail pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies also offer the updated COVID-19 vaccines. Visit vaccines.gov to find a retail pharmacy near you that offers COVID-19 vaccines.

Is there a cost for a COVID-19 vaccination?

According to the CDC, most people can receive no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations through their private health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans. Check with your insurance carrier for more information about your health care coverage.