Following federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recently amended the state’s standing orders for Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine administration, adding eligibility for booster shots.
“This had to go through a rigorous review process from the CDC and then once it was approved – we work under a standing order from the State Department of Health and Senior Services so their director had to review it. That was done in really an expedited fashion and we received word on Friday afternoon that they were authorizing it for us to start distributing,” said Scott Allen, Webster County Health Unit administrator.
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
For those who got the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. Research shows that all COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Individuals should only get a booster shot when it is recommended, not earlier.
“While it is important that those who are eligible begin getting their booster doses, 61 percent of Webster County residents age 12 and up haven’t yet received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it’s not too late to do so,” Allen said. “Taking that step now would provide one with a high level of protection for the holidays.”
COVID-19 booster shots are administered anywhere the COVID-19 vaccine is available. Individuals do not need to get their booster shot at the same location they received their initial series. Those seeking a booster shot can visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a nearby provider and schedule an appointment or locate a walk-in clinic.
“There is no appointment necessary for a booster at the Webster County Health Unit, just walk in Monday through Friday from 7:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m,” he explained.
Individuals can also get the flu shot at the same time they receive the COVID-19 booster shot. Flu vaccines are now available, and it is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. Find a flu shot near you at MOStopsFlu.com.
“If somebody has a business, women’s club, church, civic group that would like to host a vaccination clinic at their facility, we’re more than happy to do that,” Allen added. “That’s not just for COVID, we are in flu season right now so we want to start thinking about flu shots as well and we can do both at the same time.”
The Health Unit continues to offer daily COVID-19 and flu vaccine opportunities during normal business hours. They will also be scheduling a series of offsite vaccine clinics in the coming weeks. In November, vaccine clinics will be held every Monday from 10-noon at the YMCA in Seymour.
More information may be found by going to webstercohealth.com or calling the Health Unit at 417-859-2532.
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