Press Releases

Chester, PA — Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) highlighted new tools from the White House to help Pennsylvania residents get vaccinated. Pennsylvanians 16 years or older can now input their ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov / www.vacunas.gov or text their ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) / VACUNA (822862) to get help making a vaccine appointment at a nearby location.

 

“With these new tools, finding a vaccine near you is easier than ever,” said Rep. Scanlon. “We are at a point where, thankfully, we have an abundance of vaccine doses available. The challenge now is to ensure as many Americans as possible are getting vaccinated, and that means helping people get answers to their vaccine questions and overcome any barriers to access they may face. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to crush the pandemic and help our country return to normal. Every Pennsylvanian age 16 and up is eligible now, and we expect youth between the ages of 12 and 15 to become eligible soon, so I encourage everyone to visit vaccines.gov or text your ZIP code to GETVAX today to make your appointment. I tried out the new tools and found dozens of sites within a mile or two of my home and office.”

 

Right now, more than 90 percent of Americans live within five miles of a vaccine site. Across the country, there are nearly 40,000 local pharmacies, more than 650 community health centers, and hundreds of community vaccination centers and mobile clinics where Americans can get a shot. These new vaccine finder tools make it quicker and more convenient than ever to make an appointment. And best of all — the vaccine is FREE for everyone.

 

Public health officials are urging all eligible people to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective — providing significant protection against severe illness and death, and helping slow the spread of the virus in our communities. Studies have shown these vaccines to cause an 80 percent reduction in deaths and a 70 percent reduction in hospitalizations among seniors.

 

“Doctors tell us that getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and our communities,” Rep. Scanlon continued. “If you are eligible to get the vaccine — as all adults and youth over 16 are — there are people waiting to give you a shot. So, use these new tools to get yourself, your family, and your neighbors vaccinated today.”

 

Under the leadership of President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the pace of vaccination has ramped up quickly over the last three months, thanks to the critical resources delivered by the American Rescue Plan. As of this week, more than 105 million Americans are fully vaccinated. More than 147 million Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including more than 80 percent of seniors, educators, school staff and childcare workers, as well as 90 percent of doctors.