The wellness center will be holding a second vaccine clinic, following the success of their first clinic only a few weeks ago. This time, the wellness center will be offering Pfizer booster shots as well as first/second COVID vaccination doses and flu vaccines, raising a question: who is eligible for the COVID booster shots at the moment?
Firstly, the FDA has cleared doctors and vaccinators to use a different vaccine than the one a patient originally received. If a patients’ first dose was Johnson & Johnson, for example, it is safe and approved for them to receive Pfizer or Moderna booster shots. This gives patients and doctors a lot of flexibility.
Currently those who were vaccinated 6 or more months ago are eligible for a booster shot if they qualify under these criteria:
They received Moderna or Pfizer originally
They are 65+
They are 18+ and live in long-term care settings
They are 18+ and have underlying medical conditions
Or they are 18+ and work/live in high risk settings
If a patient had previously received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago, boosters are recommended, and at this time the only requirement is to be 18 years or older.
Ultimately the decision is up to each individual person as to whether or not they believe the booster shot will be beneficial to them. While it is recommended by the CDC, FDA, and numerous government health professionals, the booster is not mandated.
To read more about the COVID-19 booster shot benefits and requirements, click here.
