(Hopefully, you read that to the tune of “My Shot” from “Hamilton.”)
Last week, the FDA authorized the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccine boosters, and the CDC gave the boosters and the mix-and-match method a thumbs up.
For Moderna recipients, boosters are now permitted — and encouraged — for people 65 and older, residents in long-term care facilities and/or people 50 and older who have underlying health conditions. Boosters are “allowed, but not urged,” to quote the Associated Press, for people of any age who live or work in high-risk environments. To be eligible for a booster, it must be at least six months since your last Pfizer or Moderna shot.
For J&J recipients, if you are of a vaccine-eligible age and it has been two or more months since your shot, go get a booster. Period. Like, right now.
Since the FDA and CDC have approved mixing and matching, anyone can receive any of the three types of boosters (so long as you are not allergic to that vaccine and meet the requirements mentioned previously.) The Mon County Health Department is still offering vaccines at the Rec Center (check its Facebook page for dates), and local pharmacies are still taking appointments for COVID and flu shots.
There’s also a glimmer of hope on the horizon for children ages 6 to 11. Both Pfizer and Moderna are reporting vaccination success in that age group, though FDA clearance still awaits.
If you plan to travel or visit with friends and family outside your “pandemic bubble” this holiday season, please get your vaccine or booster beforehand.
