AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Public Health officials say they're ready to roll out booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccines, following authorization by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Boosters are incredibly important to keeping our community protected and hospitalizations low. Just as we have been urging masking, getting vaccinated and getting tested if you are sick, we are urging the public to stay current with their boosters,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “If we can stay on top of our vaccinations, we provide protections for our most vulnerable and make it that much harder for COVID to spread in our community.”
For those who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, persons 65 and older can receive a booster shot six months or later after their second dose. Additionally, those who are 18 or older and live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or work or live in high-risk settings are also eligible to receive a booster shot.
For those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, those who are 18 years or older and were vaccinated two or more months ago are eligible to receive a booster shot.
“We are excited with the progress of our community and their efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. It is important we continue to practice infection control measures.” said Austin Public Health Interim Director Adrienne Sturrup. “However, we cannot and should not overlook the importance of boosters. The vaccine is readily available throughout our community from numerous providers, and we must continue to do what we can to prevent continued spread of COVID.”