CDC urging COVID vaccine booster doses

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is strengthening its recommendation on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.

Everyone ages 18 and older are encouraged to get a booster shot either when they are six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after the initial J&J vaccine.

While COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.

COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the current COVID-19 vaccines. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is half the dose of the vaccine people get for their primary series.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. This mix-and-match approach only applies to booster doses. A primary vaccination series should be completed using the same product.

Anyone getting a booster shot should bring their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card to their booster shot appointment so the provider can fill in the information about the booster dose. Individuals who did not receive a card at their first appointment should contact the vaccination site where they got their first shot or their local health department to find out how they can get a card.

Vaccination reduces hospitalizations and deaths and it also helps reduce the spread of viruses in communities. FCPH is offering several late clinics in November and December. Booster doses and pediatric doses are offered at the clinics. Call 740-335-5910 or visit faycohd.org/events for details.

Masking Recommendation

Fayette County continues to experience high levels of community transmission of COVID-19. In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of Delta and protect others.

Vaccination Clinics

All clinics are by appointment only. If you have already received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination record to be updated. Please bring your insurance card if you are getting a flu shot. Masks are required at all clinics. To schedule, call 740-335-5910 or visit faycohd.org/events.

All clinics are by appointment only. If you have already received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination record to be updated. Please bring your insurance card if you are getting a flu shot. Masks are required at all clinics. To schedule, call 740-335-5910 or visit faycohd.org/events.

FCPH OFFICE –

Johnson & Johnson – Dec. 8, 15 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pfizer/Comirnaty – Dec. 3, 10, 17 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Moderna – Dec. 6, 13 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All three COVID-19 vaccines – Dec. 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

FAYETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – All three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, pediatric doses, flu and high-dose flu will be available. The health department office will be closed on these dates so that staff can assist off site at the clinic.

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information on vaccination clinic dates, visit faycohd.org/events or call 740-335-5910.

Who is Eligible:

– Flu Vaccine, 6 months and older

– High-dose Flu Vaccine, 65 years and older

– Pfizer/Comirnaty, 5 years and older

– Moderna, 18 years and older

– Johnson & Johnson, 18 years and older

Booster Eligibility:

– Pfizer/Comirnaty, 18 years and older, 6 months after second dose

– Moderna, 18 years and older, 6 months after second dose

– Johnson & Johnson, 18 years and older, 2 months after initial dose

Cost:

– COVID-19 – no cost

– Flu – Covered by insurance or $25 self-pay

– High-dose flu – Covered by insurance or $65 self-pay

FCPH accepts these insurance providers: Aetna, Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Anthem BCBS Medicare, Buckeye, Caresource, Cigna (Allied Health), Humana, Medicaid of Ohio, Medical Mutual, Medicare B(for Flu and Pneumonia Only), Medigold, Molina, Ohio PPO Connect, Paramount, United HealthCare, United HealthCare Community Plan.

Children 5-11 years old

The Pfizer/Comirnaty vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms). Full protection is achieved two weeks after the second shot. This means it would take five weeks for your child to achieve full protection.

The vaccine can be administered at the same time as a flu shot or other childhood immunizations.

Parent/Guardian Consent

Consent from a parent or guardian is required before youth under age 18 years can be vaccinated. Emancipated teens may sign their own consent.

For more information visit faycohd.org or coronavirus.ohio.gov.

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