PA Expands COVID Vaccine Eligibility To 65+, High-Risk Residents

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania residents who are 65 or older and those who have high-risk conditions are now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine, state officials announced Tuesday.

Effective Tuesday, the state has expanded those eligible for vaccination in phase 1A to include anyone over 65 and people ages 16 to 64 with serious medical conditions that make them more at risk for severe illness due to COVID-19.

Those high-risk conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, Down syndrome, heart conditions, sickle cell disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Those who are immunocompromised, obese or pregnant are now eligible, as well as smokers. You can see the full list here.

The move will make approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians eligible for the vaccine.

To determine when you are eligible for a vaccine, you can use this tool on the state's website.

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, the state has an interactive map to assist you with finding a vaccine provider near you. You will then schedule an appointment with the provider.

The coronavirus vaccines currently available are comprised of two doses. Health officials remind all residents to be sure to get the second dose.

The next phase of the state's vaccine program will be 1B. Those will include people in congregate settings not otherwise specified as long-term care facilities, first responders, correctional officers, U.S. Postal Service workers, grocery store workers, teachers and more.

The City of Philadelphia is conducting its own separate vaccination program. The rules for eligibility in the city can be found here.