COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency announced on Tuesday they will begin to offer all manufacturer’s vaccine booster doses to eligible residents.
If you received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as your primary vaccine with the second dose being at least six months ago, you are eligible for a booster dose if you are 65 or older. You’re also eligible if you are 18 or older who has a underlying medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control, if you live in a long-term care setting, or it you work in a high-risk setting.
If you are 18 and over who received a single dose J&J (Janssen) vaccine as your primary vaccine at least 2 months ago, you should receive a single J&J booster dose.
The CDC definition of high-risks work setting includes:
o First responders
o Education staff
o Food and agricultural workers
o Manufacturing workers
o Corrections workers
o U.S. Postal Service workers
o Public transit workers
o Grocery store workers
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “Vaccination continues to be our best protection strategy against severe COVID illness and death. Our team has been working to make COVID vaccination as easy as possible. Vaccine is widely available at local provider offices and pharmacies please make an appointment wherever is most convenient for you.”
Medical Director Doctor Karen Luparello says, “The updated guidance for booster doses should not overshadow the need for unvaccinated individuals to talk with their primary care provider about their risk for COVID-19 illness and the benefits of vaccination. The health agency continues to encourage all residents to begin or complete their vaccine series.
The agency says those who are immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine 28 days after their second dose to provide additional protection.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. The CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. Individuals are encouraged to discuss mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccine with their primary care physician.
In order to schedule your booster dose at one of their local offices, go to www.bhsj.org/scheduling.
If you do not have access to the internet or need assistance, call your Local Health Department office and press option 7.
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