New COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Erie within next 10 days. Where can you get a shot?

Erie healthcare providers expect to be giving the new COVID-19 vaccine within the next week to 10 days, depending on how quickly shipments arrive.

The mRNA vaccines, made by Pfizer and Moderna, target more recent variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. They were approved by the Food & Drug Administration, and a Centers for Disease Control & Prevention advisory committee recommended them for anyone 6 months of age and older.

"I'd like to say we will start providing vaccine at the end of next week ... but it's more likely that we will start on Sept. 25," said Jim Caputo, LECOM Health's vaccine coordinator.

The LECOM Health Center for Health & Aging, 3910 Schaper Ave., will initially offer COVID-19 shots at its vaccination clinic. The Millcreek Township-based health system also plans to provide vaccine at long-term care facilities, senior centers and at clinics throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, Caputo said.

UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital also expect to receive significant amounts of vaccine. They have said the hospitals plan to offer COVID-19 shots at physician offices and might open clinics if the demand is strong.

The new vaccine is also expected to be available at chain pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid.

"Our clinic will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.," Caputo said. "If we see a strong demand, certainly we'll open five days a week."

To schedule an appointment at the clinic, call 814-488-3939 or email: vaccineinfo@lecomslc.org.

What will the new COVID-19 cost?

This will be the first COVID-19 vaccine whose cost is not covered by the federal government. People with Medicare or Medicaid will not have any additional costs, and those with private health insurance will likely have little or no out-of-pocket expenses, Caputo said.

Those without health insurance might qualify for no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program. Visit vaccines.gov to find a participating provider.

The out-of-pocket cost of the shot is $110-$130, according to USA Today.

Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Erie County's demand for COVID-19 vaccine has declined over the past two years. Nearly 70% of county residents received at least one dose of the original vaccines, but less than 19% received the bivalent booster offered in 2022-23.

Caputo recommends people get the new vaccine, especially those at risk of COVID-19 complications. They include older people and those with lung issues, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

"If you just had COVID, it's believed you have immunity for at least 30 days, and in most cases 90 days, so you can wait that long to get vaccinated," Caputo said. "A person who has comorbidities, it's advised they only wait 30 days after a COVID infection to get vaccinated."

Only one dose of the vaccine is needed for most people, including those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. The only people who might need multiple doses are unvaccinated children younger than 5 and those with weakened immune systems.

Will the new vaccine be effective against the latest subvariants?

The new vaccine targets the XBB.1.5 subvariant, which is no longer among the most common subvariants circulating in the United States.

But the new subvariants, including EG.5 and FL.1.5.1, are similar enough that the vaccine remains effective, Caputo said.

More: Has your doctor's office or hospital returned to normal 3 years after the pandemic began?

"As long as the new subvariants are within the omicron family, the vaccine should provide good coverage," Caputo said. Omicron has been the dominant variant in the United States since spring 2022.

And while COVID-19 doesn't appear to be as virulent as it was early in the pandemic, getting vaccinated still reduces your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

COVID-19 hospitalization rates have risen in recent weeks across the country and in Erie County, though they remain well below the levels seen as recently as last spring. The county hospitalization rate per 100,000 increased from 0.7 the week ending July 29 to 2.1 the weeks ending Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.

More: COVID-19 cases, admissions rising in Erie County as fall approaches

Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ETNBruce.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: New COVID-19 vaccine expected to be offered in Erie within 10 days