Fight the virus this fall with a COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025

An image of a COVID-19 vaccine. Courtesy of ICHS

More than four years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the virus has changed significantly since then. “That's why our ability to fight the virus must also change,” said Lisa DiFedele, MPH, director of infection prevention and control at International Community Health Services (ICHS).

ICHS pharmacies are now administering the 2024-2025 Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 Vaccine without an appointment to people ages 12 and older. You do not have to be an ICHS patient to receive your vaccine at ICHS.

Why is a new COVID vaccine necessary?

“Individuals are still getting very, very sick,” DiFedele said. “People are going to the hospital and getting very severe cases. Vaccination provides additional protection against the virus that is currently circulating.”

Just because you've had COVID in the past doesn't mean you're protected against the virus now circulating.

“Our most important recommendation to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said Mandy Cohen MD, MPH, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Make a plan now for yourself and your family to get both up-to-date flu and COVID vaccines this fall, before respiratory virus season.”

The CDC recommends that all persons six months of age and older receive an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination in 2024–2025 to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

The most current guidelines for full vaccination:

• • Adults and children aged 5 years and over: 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine given in 2024-2025, regardless of the number of vaccinations you have already received.
  • Children younger than 5 years old who have already received a vaccine in the last three years: Talk to your child's doctor; 1 or 2 doses of the 2024-2025 mRNA vaccine of the same brand that was given for the first vaccination.
  • Children under 5 years of age who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine: 2 doses of Moderna in 2024-2025 or 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) in 2024-2025.
• If you are immunocompromised, talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Your doctor may recommend additional doses based on your age and vaccination history.

How do I get the vaccine at ICHS?

People ages 12 and older can get the 2024-2025 Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine at an ICHS pharmacy. No appointments are necessary. Please bring your photo ID and insurance card.

Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccinations. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company to see if you are covered. If you are NOT covered, you will have to pay for the vaccinations out of pocket.

• International District Pharmacy: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• Holly Park Pharmacy: Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-4pm (closed 1pm-2pm)
• Shoreline Pharmacy: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday

ICHS patients can call ICHS at (206) 788-3700 to schedule vaccinations for children ages 11 and younger.