State health officials update guidance on COVID-19 booster vaccine

With “ample” supply and “many opportunities” to get vaccinated, state health officials released guidance Saturday on who “should” and “may” get a booster shot for added protection against COVID-19. 

In consultation with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Ohio Department of Health said in the public update that a third shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available to four groups who’ve been fully vaccinated for at least six months. 

• People 65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot.  
• People ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot.  
• People ages 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient, but those eligible are encouraged to talk to their healthcare providers if they have any questions. 
• People age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or living in an institutional setting may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient. 

The streamlined guidance for Ohio’s 3,500 COVID-19 vaccine providers was released “to ensure they have access to the latest information on administering booster doses... ."

Walk-in or scheduled vaccine appointments are available “at pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, doctor’s offices, community vaccination sites, and local health departments. There is ample supply of vaccine for boosters, as well as first and second doses, for Ohioans,” the state health department said. 

Ohioans will be able to check gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634 for the latest eligibility information and to find a vaccine provider near them.

If under 65, people seeking a booster will have to attest to having an underlying health condition. Proof is not required, the health department said. Anyone seeking more information about the safety, efficacy and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines should consult their doctor, nurse or pharmacist, or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine.