COVID-19 booster shots have arrived. Here’s who can get one, and how

Beginning Friday, eligible residents of Los Angeles County can obtain a 3rd dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention and the Meals and Drug Administration accredited the distribution of the booster photographs this week.

Questions stay concerning the rollout of COVID-19 boosters exterior L.A. County.

Right here’s what we all know to this point.

Who’s eligible for a booster shot?

Below new federal tips, boosters shall be out there to 4 teams of individuals absolutely vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine:

• Those that are 65 and older
• These residing in a long-term care facility
• These 18 to 64 who’re at excessive threat of extreme COVID-19
• These 18 to 64 who’re continuously uncovered to COVID-19 due to work or different obligations

A key CDC advisory committee didn’t assist boosters for individuals within the fourth class, however CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky overruled it, siding with the FDA in favor of boosters for nurses, academics and others with excessive occupational threat.
To be eligible, individuals additionally should have acquired their second Pfizer shot at the very least six months earlier than looking for the booster. The CDC recommends receiving a booster inside eight months of the second dose.

Do I want a booster shot?

Though the vaccines have been out there for under a matter of months, research present that their effectiveness can dip over time — a phenomenon referred to as waning immunity. The vaccines are nonetheless offering safety towards extreme sickness, hospitalization and loss of life, the CDC says, however “with the Delta variant, public well being consultants are beginning to see decreased safety towards delicate and reasonable illness.”

However, the CDC isn’t but recommending the booster shot for everybody within the eligible teams. As an alternative, the company says that the individuals who ought to obtain the booster are those that are eventually 65 years outdated, who dwell in a long-term care facility, or who’re 50 to 64 years outdated with underlying medical situations. It provides that others within the eligible teams want to contemplate their particular person advantages and dangers when deciding whether or not to acquire a 3rd shot.

Along with the teams eligible for Pfizer boosters, the CDC recommends that folks with reasonably to severely compromised immune programs get a 3rd dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 28 days after their second shot to assist construct extra resistance.

Are you able to combine and match vaccines?

Not but.

For those who acquired the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re ineligible for a booster shot, in accordance with the CDC. As a result of the vaccination mechanics of Johnson & Johnson’s shot are completely different from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s, the CDC says, extra analysis must be carried out earlier than deciding whether or not it’s secure and efficient to combine the 2 varieties.

The Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being additionally advises towards mixing and matching Pfizer and Moderna, pending extra analysis and steering from the FDA.

When and the place are you able to get your booster?

L.A. County residents can begin getting their photographs Friday at no matter facility gave them their earlier doses. You can also make an appointment or discover a web site that gives photographs on demand on the county Public Well being Division’s web site. Pharmacies and neighborhood clinics have already got doses readily available.

Proof of prior Pfizer vaccination should be supplied on the time of your third dose, both digitally or along with your vaccination card.