News
The Wright Center for Community Health administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters for 16- and 17-year-olds
The Wright Center for Community Health is accepting appointments for 16- and-17-year-olds to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech third-dose booster shot at community practices in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties after U.S. health authorities gave emergency authorization for the third dose on Dec. 9.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave emergency authorization of the vaccine for this new age group, provided they are six months past their last dose of their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. The newly approved booster offers the same dosage as the primary vaccine.
“Preventive measures work best against COVID-19,” said Dr. William Dempsey, deputy chief medical officer of The Wright Center for Community Health. “Together, by vaccinating, masking and practicing social distancing, we will be able to protect ourselves and our family and friends, and ensure everyone has a safe and healthy holiday season.”
The Pfizer vaccine is the only option in the United States for anyone under the age of 18 for use as an initial vaccine or as a booster.
The Wright Center for Community Health is offering the Pfizer-BioNTech booster for 16- and 17-year-olds who are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Vaccination appointments are being accepted at the following community clinics:
- Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn: 570.230.0019
- Children’s Service Center Practice, 335 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre: 570.591.5283
Patients can also visit TheWrightCenter.org to make an appointment online.
The Wright Center for Community Health is also administering booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for all adults. Anyone 18 and older who received their Pfizer or Moderna primary vaccine series at least six months ago or received a Johnson & Johnson dose at least two months ago is eligible. In addition, the pediatric dose of the Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds was authorized by the CDC on Nov. 2.
Appointments for these series of vaccines also are being accepted at select Wright Center community clinics. Please go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.343.2383 to schedule an appointment for the primary vaccine series, booster series or pediatric vaccine.
