COVID-19 Vaccine
On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced that the federal government’s COVID Public Health Emergency declaration will end on May 11, 2023. Click here for more information on how this affects access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
The FDA and CDC have made some changes to keep protection provided by COVID vaccines strong and to make the recommendations simpler.
- Everyone ages 6 years and older should get an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.
- For unvaccinated people 6 years and older, this means getting vaccinated with just one dose.
- This is possible because of high levels of population immunity and previous exposure to the virus.
- The U.S. is switching to all bivalent mRNA vaccines – the original monovalent mRNA vaccines will no longer be available.
- A note about kids 5 & under: Unvaccinated children are still recommended to get multiple doses and vaccination plans vary by age and type of vaccine.
- Experts will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and the effectiveness of COVID vaccines and are likely to make additional changes as we look toward the fall, so expect updates.
Additionally:
- Anyone 65 and older can get an additional bivalent vaccine dose at least four months following their last bivalent dose.
- Immunocompromised people (5+) may get an additional bivalent vaccine dose at least 2 months following a dose of the bivalent vaccine, and additional doses may be administered at the discretion of, and intervals determined by their healthcare provider. Eligibility for immunocompromised children under 5 depends on the vaccine previously received – please talk to your provider.
The Montgomery County Office of Public Health is now scheduling vaccine appointments.
Clients attending a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for a 2nd dose, 3rd dose, or a booster dose must bring their CDC vaccination card or a picture of their card on their phone to their appointment. If you lost your card, email covid19@montgomerycountypa.gov for directions on how to obtain a duplicate card or check our FAQs.
The following chart shows a complete list of COVID-19 vaccination clinics administered by MCOPH. Click here to make an appointment. If you cannot find a time or location that works for you, please visit vaccines.gov for a comprehensive collection of clinics in our area.
Our partner, Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC), collaborates with their partner organizations to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics. To find an upcoming clinic, click here.
Date | Clinic | Hours |
Mondays | Willow Grove Annex, Willow Grove | 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
Tuesdays | Human Services Center, Norristown | 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
Thursdays | Pottstown Health Center, Pottstown | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
The CDC’s most recent statement on April 19, 2023, endorses the following changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations:
- The Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for all recommended doses for people age 6 months and older.
- Monovalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.
- Previously unvaccinated people age 6 years and older, and those in that age group who have not received a bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, are considered fully vaccinated following a single bivalent dose.
- Children age 6 months through 5 years should receive a primary series of at least two doses (with at least one bivalent dose), but the total number of doses needed is determined by the formulation used and the number of previous doses.
- Adults aged 65 years and older who have received a bivalent mRNA vaccine dose have the option to receive a second bivalent mRNA dose at least 4 months after their most recent dose.
- Individuals who are immunocompromised who received a bivalent mRNA vaccine dose have the option to receive a second bivalent mRNA vaccine dose at least 2 months after their most recent dose, and subsequent doses at the discretion of their healthcare provider.
- Due to a lack of data, FDA did not extend this authorization to children younger than age 5 who received Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination.
- No changes were made to the recommendations for the use of monovalent Novavax and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines.
The Office of Public Health (OPH) is currently taking appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations:
- OPH offers both Pfizer & Moderna bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 6 months of age and older*.
- OPH does not carry the monovalent Novavax or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines.
- Appointments are strongly encouraged.
- Please bring a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card to your appointment (hard copy (preferred) or a picture of your card on your phone). If you lost your card, please check the FAQs to find out how to obtain a replacement card.
*Parents are able to choose which vaccine they would like for their child when they are making their appointment. A pharmacist and nurses will be available at the vaccination clinics to help answer any questions or concerns parents may have regarding COVID-19 vaccines for their child.
Montgomery County’s Department of Public Safety is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people with disabilities who are eligible through its Mobile Integrated Health Unit. Anyone who wants to set up a vaccination appointment for an individual that is homebound, please call (610) 631-3079 and leave a voicemail for a callback.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has started a national hotline to help people with disabilities gain access to information and resources for COVID-19 vaccinations. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) service can connect callers with information regarding how to access the vaccine, including local clinics. Additionally, it can also connect them to valuable local and national disability resources.
DIAL is available by phone at 888-677-1199 from 9 am to 8 pm. You can also reach the service via email at DIAL@n4a.org.
Transportation Services
Individuals may be able to secure transportation to Montgomery County Public Health Clinics through the following services:
- Transnet: (215) 542-7433
- SEPTA/CCT: (215) 580-7145
GoGo Grandparent: 1 (855) 464-6872 or visit https://gogograndparent.com/montco
For specific questions related to vaccine and vaccine eligibility, visit CDC COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters, or use the CDC widget to find out when to get your booster.
Please email covid19@montgomerycountypa.gov if you have questions related to your appointment that were not answered below
I made two appointments, one for my COVID-19 booster and one for my flu shot but the times are not the same. What should I do?
Please arrive at the time of your flu shot appointment.
Am I able to edit any of my registration details including personal information and medical conditions through the registration system?
No. You are able to edit this information with the registration clerk on site at your appointment, or you can call (610) 278-5117.
What email address does the appointment confirmation come from?
noreply@montgomerycountypa.gov
How will I be notified if my appointment is canceled/rescheduled due to inclement weather?
If an appointment is canceled, you will receive an email stating the appointment was canceled and you will be able to click the link in the email to re-schedule.
How can I cancel or reschedule the second dose appointment?
At the bottom of the confirmation e-mail that you received for your appointment, click on "Reschedule or Cancel my Appointment." If you are canceling but not rescheduling your appointment, you will receive a cancellation confirmation e-mail with a link that says "Schedule a New Appointment" to reschedule at a later time.
If I received a COVID-19 vaccine somewhere else, can I receive a bivalent mRNA vaccine at a Montgomery County clinic?
Yes, please go to https://vaccine.montcopa.org/ and click “start registration” to register for an appointment.
I'm trying to schedule my appointment, but the website isn't working.
Please make sure you are using either the Google Chrome or Firefox browser when registering. If you continue to have problems, email COVID19@montgomerycountypa.gov.
If I’m feeling sick, should I cancel my vaccine appointment?
Yes. Anyone who has symptoms of an acute illness of any type should NOT come to a vaccination site.
Can I receive a smart health card (QR codes) from OPH vaccination sites?
Pennsylvania does not issue SMART Health Cards with a QR code for COVID-19 vaccinations. However, there are national pharmacies which issue SMART Health Cards. For a full list of issuers, please visit https://smarthealth.cards/en/issuers.html
How can I get a copy of my COVID-19 vaccination record?
If you were vaccinated in PA and have an immunization record in PA SIIS (Pennsylvania’s Immunization Registry) you must call an Montgomery County Public Health Center (see below) or email covid19@montgomerycountypa.gov and include the full name, date of birth, contact number, and email address. We will not accept walk-ins. If your request can be processed, you will be informed when and where you can pick up your vaccination record or card. We will not mail COVID-19 vaccination cards to you.
Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC
- Check out CDC’s interactive tool to Find Out When to Get a Booster
Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC
FDA: Fact Sheets
- Pfizer-BioNTech, 4/18/2023
- Moderna, 4/18/2023