Hickory – COVID-19 vaccination providers across Catawba County are beginning to administer booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine to eligible individuals now that these additional doses are authorized for certain groups.
Groups that are currently eligible to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine include people who received their second dose at least six months ago and who:
• Are age 65 or older.
• Are residents of long-term care facilities.
• Are age 18 and older with underlying medical conditions that might put them at higher risk of severe disease.
• Are age 18 and older and who are at increased risk of exposure or transmission due to where they work (healthcare workers, teachers and school staff, childcare providers, food workers, first responders, etc.)
• Are age 18 and older and who are at increased risk of exposure or transmission due to where they live (shelters, dormitories and other group housing)
• Are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a list of underlying conditions available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.
Booster doses have not yet been authorized for people who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, with the exception of additional doses of Moderna vaccine that have already been approved for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals.
We will communicate out broadly through social media, our web site and the news media if other groups are authorized later.
Local vaccination providers also continue to administer first and second doses to individuals who want to receive them.
Vaccinations are being offered at many locations throughout Catawba County, including some local physician offices, pharmacies and urgent cares. For a list of vaccination providers near you, go to https://www.vaccines.gov/search/. To schedule a vaccination through Catawba County Public Health, call 828-282-2002 or go to www.catawbavaccine.org.
