The CDC is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for some individuals. To be eligible, at least 6 months must have passed since a second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals must also be at increased risk of severe illness or exposure because of age, underlying health conditions, employment, or living in an institutional setting, such as a long-term care facility. COVID-19 vaccine is free and local health care providers, pharmacies, and the St. Clair County Health Department.
“Vaccination remains our best protection against severe COVID illness and death,” says Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer with the St. Clair County Health Department. “We have prioritized making COVID vaccination as easy as possible, but also want to remind everyone that vaccination is now widely available at doctor’s offices and pharmacies. We continue to use multiple strategies to ensure equitable access to vaccine and booster doses. Please get vaccinated or boosted wherever is most accessible for you.”
At this time, the Pfizer booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccine will likely need a booster shot. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots are expected soon.
Pfizer Booster Eligibility
The CDC recommendation for Pfizer booster doses 6 months after the second dose includes:
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- Adults in long-term care or other institutional settings
- People aged 18-64 years with certain underlying health conditions
- Adults working in certain jobs where they are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19
o First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
o Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
o Food and agriculture workers
o Manufacturing workers
o Corrections workers
o U.S. Postal Service workers
o Public transit workers
o Grocery store workers
o This list could be updated in the future.
To schedule an appointment at the St. Clair County Health Department call (810) 987-5300.
Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.
Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department
