COVID-19 booster shots have been authorized for some vaccine recipients, and local health departments are working to get the word out.
Jackson County Health Administrator Bart Hagston said that right now, only Pfizer recipients are eligible for the boosters.
"What the CDC and the FDA have approved are booster doses for those that have received the Pfizer vaccine as part of their primary series," he said. "So if you received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson previously, booster doses are not authorized yet."
The booster shots — given at least six months after the second shot — are recommended for people 65 and older, anyone over 18 who lives in a long-term care facility, and adults ages 50 to 65 with underlying medical conditions.
The vaccine is also available for those 18 and older with underlying medical conditions or who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure due to their job.
Those underlying medical conditions include some common illnesses, Hagston said.
"So some of those conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease including asthma, diabetes, Down Syndrome, various heart conditions, various immunocompromised states, liver disease, overweight or obese, pregnant or recently pregnant, sickle cell disease, smoking, including current or former smokers, organ transplant recipients, those that have had a stroke or cerebrovascular disease, or those that have substance use disorders," Hagston said.
Booster shots are available at doctor's offices, pharmacies, and area health departments.
