The state-run COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Bryce Jordan Center will begin accepting walk-in patients when it resumes operation as scheduled on Thursday.
Appointments are still encouraged, but are not required, and can be made online or by calling 1-844-545-3450.
According to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Department of Health, which jointly operate the site, the clinic also now will offer a choice between the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for anyone who wants to get vaccinated by offering both Moderna and J&J and not requiring an appointment,” PEMA Director Randy Padfield said in a statement. “I would encourage anyone in Centre County and the surrounding area to take advantage of this opportunity to make an appointment, or walk in to get their vaccine.”
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration, Pennsylvania resumed administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on April 24. The federal agencies previously recommended a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine earlier in the month when six women, out of more than 7 million Americans who received the vaccine, reportedly experienced rare blood clots.
Following an emergency meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on April 23, the agencies said use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should resume, that it is safe and effective, and that the instances of the blood clots were “exceptionally rare.”
During the pause, the Jordan Center clinic offered only the Moderna vaccine.
“Both the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines being offered at the Bryce Jordan Center are safe and effective against the COVID-19 virus,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “The safety procedures built into the vaccination process are working and should instill confidence in these vaccines. Getting vaccinated is the best way forward to protect you, your loved ones and neighbors from the virus and get back to your life and the things you may have missed over this past year.”
The regional vaccination clinic is open Thursdays through Mondays. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
