Catawba County News

Booster doses now available for 18 and up

Booster doses now available for 18 and up

Published: November 23, 2021

COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE AGE 18 AND OLDER

Vaccination providers in Catawba County are now administering booster doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to all adults age 18 and older to help strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19.

Individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can get the booster six months after receiving the second shot. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get their booster two months after the initial shot.

“Booster doses can be particularly helpful, given that we are now in the colder months of the year, when respiratory illnesses tend to have more spread,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “That is why we recommend eligible individuals get their boosters now, as these doses can afford individuals more protection during these cold months. This is especially important for people over age 50 or who have underlying medical conditions that could put them at increased risk of serious complications from COVID-19.”

Additionally, fully vaccinated people who received their first COVID-19 vaccine outside of the U.S. or in clinical trials with a brand not currently authorized in the U.S. can now receive a Pfizer booster shot when they are eligible.

Individuals can receive any brand of COVID-19 vaccine for their booster shot. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. Limited preliminary evidence suggests that booster doses of one of the two mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) more effectively raise antibody levels than a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. 

Catawba County Public Health encourages residents to speak to their doctor or pharmacist for questions about which booster they should get.

To find a COVID-19 booster, visit MySpot.nc.gov to search vaccine locations near you. Not all vaccines may be available at every vaccine location. Individuals can also request an appointment by calling 828-282-2002 or filling out the form at www.catawbavaccine.org.