Beginning today, all Pennsylvania residents over age 16 will be eligible to schedule an appointment for the COVID -19 vaccine.

“We need to maintain acceleration of the vaccine rollout, especially as case counts and hospitalization rates have increased,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “Therefore, just as President Biden has brought forward universal adult access to vaccines from May 1 to April 19, we are moving Pennsylvania’s timeline of universal adult access to April 13.”

The Department of Health noted that there is ongoing appointment availability in many parts of the state even as Phase 1A and B continue and 1C begins today. With the change in eligibility, those in Phase 2 will become eligible, opening up vaccines to all. The ongoing initiative with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide assistance to vulnerable seniors for accessing vaccine will continue, as will our other equity initiatives.

“Everyone needs and should be afforded the opportunity to access the vaccine as soon as possible,” Acting Sec. of Health Alison Beam said. “And, this change provides earlier access for many, including college students increasing the likelihood of completion of two-dose regimens prior to leaving campus for the summer. It also means simpler, streamlined operations for vaccine providers that no longer need to check eligibility of people making appointments.”

To date, Pennsylvania providers have administered more than 6 million vaccines and the state is ranked among the top 20 states for first-dose vaccinations. More than 2.4 million Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated.

Locations

• There are three ways to schedule a vaccination appointment for any LVHN COVID-19 vaccination event, including drive-through clinics:

People with a MyLVHN account, the health network’s patient portal, can log in and click “Schedule your appointment” next to the vaccination announcement on the home screen. Under “Menu,” you also can click “COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling.” You also can click “Visits” and “Schedule an appointment.” MyLVHN is the fastest and easiest way to schedule.

People without a MyLVHN account can visit LVHN.org/appointment and follow the directions.

You can call LVHN’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). The COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• St. Luke’s University Health Network is providing the vaccine at ares facilities. Go to www.slhn.org/mychart for information.

• Area pharmacies. Mauch Chunk Pharmacy, Wind Gap Pharmacy, Shafer’s Pharmacy and various Rite Aid locations are offering the vaccine.