Millions of Americans and thousands of Johnson County residents are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots.
Who is eligible for a booster shot?
Booster shots of all three COVID-19 vaccines are now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for individuals who meet the eligibility requirements.
A booster shot of Pfizer or Moderna is available to the following groups six months after the second dose of either vaccines: anyone 65 years and older, anyone 18 and older who lives in long-term care or congregate setting, age 18 and older with underlying medical conditions, anyone 18 and older who works in a high-risk setting.
The Johnson & Johnson booster is recommended for anyone 18 or older two months after the date of their initial vaccination.
Individuals are required to attest they meet the eligibility requirements but are not required to show specific proof they meet the requirements, said Betsy Swearingen, Johnson County health department director.
Why should I get a booster shot?
Though all three vaccines are shown to offer good protection against COVID-19, booster shots are now recommended to boost immunity.
Third doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are recommended because effectiveness of those vaccines appear to wane after six months, the FDA said in a summary of its findings.
A second Johnson & Johnson dose is recommended because a second dose produces a larger immune response.
All three vaccines are proven to prevent most serious complications of COVID-19 that can result in hospitalization and death, though the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is markedly less effective than other vaccines.
The focus of the CDC, state and local health departments are still getting as many Americans as possible to take first and second doses of the vaccine.
Where can I get a booster shot?
Moderna and Pfizer booster shots are available at the Johnson County Health Department’s Compass Park vaccine site, primary care offices and pharmacies.
Johnson & Johnson booster doses are not available in Johnson County, according to the state health department’s vaccine dashboard. The closest sites offering that vaccine are the Shelby County Health Department’s clinic at Indiana Grand Casino, the state health department’s clinic at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a Marion County Health Department clinic at 7551 S. Shelby Street, Indianapolis.
Can I mix vaccine brands?
Hoosiers choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose and are allowed to mix and match vaccine types. The Johnson County Health Department on Monday got clearance to mix and match vaccines, following the CDC’s Friday decision, Swearingen said.
Preliminary data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases determined that mixing vaccine types produces a more robust immune response. That was especially true for Johnson & Johnson recipients receiving a competitor’s booster, as preliminary data from that study suggested a bigger boost in antibodies from that combination.
