PA State Parks Offering Free COVID Vaccine Clinics In September

PENNSYLVANIA — Five state parks across Pennsylvania will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics in a partnership between the Department of Health and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“The best and fastest way for us to protect the people in our communities who can’t get vaccinated yet — including children under 12 — and to end the pandemic is to get every eligible Pennsylvanian vaccinated,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “That’s why we are putting our efforts into increasing vaccination rates in Pennsylvania communities. Partnering with DCNR to provide these unique vaccination opportunities is a great way for us to ensure that communities have convenient access to vaccines, and it’s one more way we can help ensure our park communities are as safe as possible.”

Parks were selected based on their high use, good general vehicle access, adequate outdoor space, and easy park pedestrian access. The first COVID-19 vaccine clinic in the state parks took place Saturday, at Beltzville State Park in Carbon County.

The remaining COVID-19 vaccine clinics will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the designated days:

• Shikellamy State Park (Union/Northumberland Counties): Saturday, September 18
• Codorus State Park (York County): Sunday, September 19
• Keystone State Park (Westmoreland County): Saturday, September 25
• Nockamixon State Park (Bucks County): Saturday, September 25

If you have already been vaccinated, thank you for taking the step to protect yourself, your loved ones, and all those around you from COVID-19,” Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “If you have not yet done so, take advantage of the free COVID-19 vaccination being offered at the five state parks across the commonwealth.”

Clinics will provide either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For those who receive their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, second dose appointments will be scheduled at the State Health Center closest to where the recipient lives. Those due for a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine can get their second dose at a state park vaccine clinic.

There is no cost to get the vaccine at one of the clinics. Identification and insurance are preferred, but not required. Those seeking vaccination should be prepared to answer health related questions and must sign a consent form.

“The outdoors have been important in helping Pennsylvanians maintain their physical and mental health, and these vaccine clinics are yet another way we can help people get through this pandemic,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the DCNR.

Those with questions about the vaccine clinics are urged to contact the state park hosting the clinic for more information.

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