Today the Lake County Public Health Agency (LCPHA) has updated its guidance regarding the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster.
The LCPHA is continuing to stress the importance of receiving the first two vaccine doses.
Dr. Lisa Zwerdlinger, Lake County Public Health Agency’s Medical Advisor and Chief Medical Officer of St. Vincent Health, receives the first COVID-19 vaccine given in Lake County on Dec, 22. Colleen Nielsen, RN, BSN, Director of Lake County Public Health Agency, administered the shot. Photo courtesy Lake County
“While it is exciting to be able to provide 3rd doses for those newly approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is just as important for those who received a first dose to receive a second dose,” said Director of Lake County Public Health Agency (LCPHA) Colleen Nielsen. “Please get your second dose to protect your family, loved ones and community. Help us reach our goal of 75 percent fully vaccinated in our community”.
Director Nielsen also shared that those who need more information to begin their COVID vaccination series should reach out to their doctor/provider. LCPHA nurses are also available at nurses@co.lake.co.us.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially recommended Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. Booster doses should be given approximately six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
CDC’s Pfizer-BioNTech’s Recommendations:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
- Among adults 65 years and older, data show vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and severe disease, but recent evidence suggests they are less effective in preventing infection or milder symptomatic illness due to waning immunity over time and the Delta variant.
- People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
- The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and can also increase for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions.
- People aged 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
- The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may be higher for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions.
- People aged 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, including but not limited to teacher, factory workers, retail workers, restaurant workers, health care workers, and first responders.
At this time, there is not a booster approved or available for those who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson, but approvals are expected in the next few months. However, all three vaccines are still providing significant protection and immunity from COVID-19.
Find vaccine scheduling information here: https://www.lakecountyoem.org/covid-19
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