All adults now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved Moderna and Pfizer’s booster shots for all adults who are fully vaccinated. This follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization last week. In October, CDC cleared boosters of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine for all adults who received the single dose shot.

On Nov. 9 the state already took action to approve booster shots for all adults in California and the MyTurn appointment website was updated to allow all adults to sign up to get a booster.

People who are 18 and older are eligible for a COVID booster shot six months following their second dose of the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months following their Johnson & Johnson shot. Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose.

All COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, certain populations are seeing a slight decrease in vaccine effectiveness against infection. Booster doses of vaccines are very common. They are part of most childhood and adult vaccine series to ensure a person maintains optimal immunity against infection from a disease.

“CDC ruling not only clarifies eligibility for booster doses, but also provides an opportunity for many vaccinated residents who want the extra layer of protection a booster provides,” says Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. “Booster doses become especially important as we move into the holiday season, which involves increased gathering and traveling.”

The side effects from booster doses should be the same mild side effects experienced when receiving the initial vaccine dose. A sore arm at the injection site and mild flu-like symptoms are normal and demonstrate that your body is rebuilding immunity to COVID-19.

To find a vaccination site near you or to make an appointment, visit http://www.kernpublichealth.com or http://www.MyTurn.ca.gov. Kern County Public Health is operating a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Kern County Fairgrounds, Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pfizer vaccines are available for ages 5 and older and walk-ins are welcome.