The Allentown Health Bureau is now offering no appointment Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to qualifying individuals for clinics at the IBEW headquarters beginning on Friday, October 1.

“We originally decided on an appointment system, but we currently have ample supply, so we have determined that no appointment will be necessary at IBEW,” said Health Bureau Director Vicky Kistler. “They have plenty of parking and a handicapped access ramp at IBEW, so we can easily accommodate the expected crowd. We are very appreciative of the IBEW for generously donating the space for this public health effort.”

IBEW Business Manager Paul Anthony said, “Local 375 is proud to support Allentown Health Bureau’s vaccination efforts and our hope is to be a model for other communities.”

The IBEW Local 375 headquarters at 101 S. Seventh Street in the city is the site for the first three vaccination clinics, Friday, October 1, Monday, October 4 and Friday, October 8.

The emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been amended to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the two shot primary series in:

• individuals 65 years of age and older
• individuals 50-to-64 years of age with an underlying medical condition
• individuals 18 - 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19; and
• Individuals ages 18 to 64 years who have a job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to the virus, including people who live in institutional settings that increase their risk of exposure, such as prisons or homeless shelters, as well as health care workers, teachers and grocery store workers

People considered at higher risk of severe illness may include those with chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions, kidney disease, or obesity among other conditions.

The authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Pfizer COVID-19 first or second shots or boosters will be administered on the following dates and times:

• Friday, October 1 at IBEW 101 S Seventh Street – 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 4 at IBEW 101 S Seventh Street – 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 8 at IBEW 101 S Seventh Street – 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Monday, October 11 at the Agri-Plex 1725 W. Chew Street - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 12 at the Agri-Plex 1725 W. Chew Street – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Monday, October 18 at the Agri-Plex 1725 W. Chew Street – 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 19 at the Agri-Plex 1725 W. Chew Street – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Monday, October 25 at IBEW 101 S Seventh Street – 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 28 at IBEW 101 S Seventh Street – 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Although not required, persons who would like to schedule an appointment at the IBEW may still do so.

Appointments are still required for the Agri-Plex site. Please click here to self-schedule your Pfizer dose. Choose Immunization Clinic from the Specialty Choices.

Please remember to bring your white CDC card with you to your appointment.

Moderna doses or flu vaccines will not be available at the Pfizer off-site clinics.

The Allentown Health Bureau continues to offer the third dose of Pfizer or a third dose of Moderna to those individuals previously identified by the CDC as immunocompromised. The third dose for the immunosuppressed group must be made at least 28 days after the second dose and can be scheduled by calling the Health Bureau at 610.437.7760.

There is no charge for the COVID-19 vaccination.

• The Allentown Health Bureau is administering third COVID vaccinations by appointment only to individuals who have a note from their physician confirming that they are in one of the CDC currently approved categories.
  
  Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:
  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

These vaccinations will be given at the Allentown Health Bureau at 245 N 6th Street and appointments can be made by calling 610.437.7760. Choose 0

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

• HOMEBOUND COVID 19 VACCINE HOTLINE

  Allentown EMS or Allentown Health Bureau staff will deliver COVID vaccination to the home of any city resident unable to leave his/her home to be vaccinated. To schedule please call the Allentown Home Bound Hotline at 610-260-0360.

  Homebound persons living in Lehigh County but outside the City of Allentown can call the Lehigh County Area Agency on Aging at 610.782. 3034.

  Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are available.
  
  As Coronavirus local case numbers and hospitalizations climb, steps should be taken to slow the spread of the disease. The Allentown Health Bureau strongly encourages citizens to mask when having close contact indoors with others outside your family or any time you are within 6 feet of others for a prolonged period.
  
  Allentown Health Bureau Director Vicky Kistler says, “Please consider vaccination. Millions of individuals have taken this vaccine and it is evident by the number of hospitalizations among the unvaccinated that the vaccine works.”
  
  Kistler asks all city employers to require employees to mask and to require masks for citizens interacting with your employees. “Cloth masks are very effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19. With the start of school around the corner, hand sanitizing, masking and practicing social distancing are needed, so children can remain in the classroom to learn.”