COVID-19 Booster Dose Information
As you may have heard, in addition to a booster dose for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recently endorsed booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines for certain populations and for those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.
Pike County Memorial Hospital strongly encourages individuals who have already completed a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or the single-dose regimen (J&J/Janssen) to get their booster shot if/when they meet the specific clinical and timeframe criteria.
Where to get your Booster
We are pleased to share that we will be offering COVID-19 boosters through our Primary Care locations to individuals who qualify. If you do not have a Primary Care Provider, you can call 573.754.4584 to schedule an appointment with one today.
You can also get your COVID-19 booster at one of the convenient vaccine sites in our community, to find one near you, visit the link below.
Current Eligibility Requirements
The following groups are eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna booster dose:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
As with Pfizer, Moderna booster doses should be given at least six months past completion of the initial 2-dose series. Moderna booster doses are half of the initial series dose amount (0.25 ml).
The following groups are eligible to receive the Janssen booster dose:
- Individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed a primary vaccination with Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
- Individuals who have completed primary vaccination with a different authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine
The Janssen booster dose should be given at least two months past completion of the initial dose.
Mix and Match
COVID-19 booster doses can be safely mixed-and-matched. Following the timing outlined above, individuals may choose which vaccine manufacturer they would prefer as a booster dose.
IMPORTANT: Although it is acceptable for booster doses to be from a different manufacturer than an individual’s initial dose/series, both doses of the initial Pfizer and Moderna series must come from the same manufacturer. For example, an individual must continue with Pfizer for their first and second dose to complete the initial series, then may receive either the Pfizer, Moderna (half dose), or Janssen vaccine as a booster dose.
Also, you can rest assured that it is safe to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same time. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.
For additional information, here is a link to the full CDC statement on updated booster recommendations.
Thank you for being diligent about protecting your health and the health of our community by getting vaccinated!
Questions?
If you have any more questions about the services we render here at Pike County Memorial Hospital, please, don't hesitate to reach out.