Distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to expand in the communities UPMC serves.
 
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children between the ages of 12 and 15. The FDA previously authorized the vaccine for people 16 and older. Data shows the vaccine is safe in children 12 and older and is effective in preventing COVID-19.

To schedule a vaccine for children who are 12-17 years old, call 844-876-2822 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under 18 to their vaccine appointment and sign a consent form before the vaccine is administered.

Read more about the FDA’s announcement on UPMC.com.

To date, we have delivered nearly 550,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout our communities.

People 18 and older can visit Vaccine.UPMC.com to schedule a vaccine appointment with UPMC, at a location that is most convenient for them. Visit UPMC.com/COVIDVaccine to learn more about our vaccination efforts.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its masking guidelines for fully vaccinated people. Fully vaccinated people now may go without a mask in many situations, including indoors, except where required by law or regulations. See the new CDC guidelines.

Masking saves lives. At UPMC, we still require facemasks in our hospitals and facilities. If you are coming to a UPMC location for an appointment, to visit a loved one in the hospital, or for any other reason, you must continue to wear a mask – even if you are fully vaccinated.

Also, please note that the new CDC guidelines apply ONLY to fully vaccinated people. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after getting your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are NOT fully vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask in public situations.

The FDA authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between 12 and 15 years old because data shows it is safe for children over 12 and effective in preventing COVID-19. Learn more about the importance of vaccinating children and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, as well as information about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

People with compromised immune systems – from cancer, HIV, organ transplants, and autoimmune and other medical conditions and treatments – are at high risk for COVID-19 complications. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for these patients, but scientists are researching the vaccine’s effectiveness. UPMC is conducting the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Immunocompromised Study (CoVICS) to learn more about the vaccine’s ability to protect immunocompromised people. In the study, immunocompromised patients will get their blood drawn for antibody levels and will know their test result.  

A rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine may affect the reading of mammograms. But it’s important for you to keep your scheduled mammogram appointments – or to set one up if you haven’t already.  

• UPMC Information on COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Update
• World Health Organization
• Pennsylvania Department of Health