/ COVID-19 Information

Updated March 31, 2023

BCHC WALK UP COVID 19 VACCINE CLINICS

Click on the flyer below.

In April, BCHC will be offering the Covid 19 vaccine during two Saturday clinics at our Rockland location on April 15 & 29 from 9:00 am – Noon.

* Moderna Vaccines – All Covid 19 vaccines for ages 6 months and older available
* Pfizer Vaccines – Ages 12 and older; Bivalent vaccines available
The Infant/Toddler vaccines for ages 5 and younger will only be available at our Rockland location. We will be able to accommodate additional doses and boosters in most cases.

The Do Your Part Berks website https://www.doyourpartberks.com/  will continue to inform you of vaccine availability options in our community or  https://vaccinatepa.org/counties/Berks_County

If you have other questions, please call 610-988-4838 ext. 2031

COVID 19 VACCINE INFORMATION

BCHC is committed to vaccinate as many of our community members as we can.  All Pennsylvania residents over the age of 6 months are able to get the Covid 19 vaccine.

For more information on available vaccines, visit Vaccine Safety

There are a lot of questions regarding the vaccine.  It's ok - just ask your healthcare provider!  Here are some of the common myths.

3rd DOSE VS. BOOSTER INFORMATION

The additional COVID vaccine doses can be a bit confusing. Recently approved vaccines (bivalent) target the old strain and the newer Omicron strain, so they provide greater protection against today’s virus.  Hopefully, the chart below helps provide some understanding.  Please continue to check back as this may change frequently.  

Visit the most recent information from the PA Department of Health by clicking here.

CDC Recommends Additional Boosters for Certain Individuals

 

 

WHAT IS THE BIVALENT BOOSTER?

The bivalent booster is the most recent version of the COVID-19 vaccine. It contains both the original vaccine strain [of the virus] and a strain derived from the BA.5 omicron variant, which is currently dominating here in the U.S., so that we can maximize protection against severe disease and potentially from infection.

CAN YOU GET THE FLU SHOT AND THE NEW BOOSTER AT THE SAME TIME?

Absolutely. CDC says there’s nothing wrong with getting both at the same time. I think it’s probably one of those situations where if you’re going in to get one, it’s probably good to get the other. We know from past experience that when people go in to get one vaccine and say, “Well, I’ll get the next one in a week or two,” a lot of them never come back. If you have the opportunity to get both, I would say get them at the same time. Both will be aiming to do the same thing: protect from severe disease. Many of the same populations that are vulnerable to severe COVID are the same populations that are vulnerable to severe influenza.

COVID 19 TESTING

Berks Community Health Center is providing COVID-19 testing for the entire community in Reading.  You do not have to be a BCHC patient to make an appointment for a COVID-19 diagnostic test.  Testing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call ahead for screening and to register for an appointment time for testing.  To register for COVID-19 testing, please call BCHC at 610-988-4838 ext. 2031

MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE

Berks Community Health Center has been caring for patients through Telehealth and in-person visits throughout the COVID-19 emergency.  We will continue to care for you in ways that are safe for patients and staff.  When making an appointment, BCHC will make an assessment on which type of appointment is best for you based on your symptoms.

Telehealth is communicating with your Provider over the phone or your computer.   To see a video explaining Telehealth, click HERE for English or HERE for Spanish.

Remember, we are here for you.  But in this crisis, we want you to stay safe so please call us before you come to the health center.  The number is (610)988-4838.