CDC Recommends COVID-19 Boosters for All Adults

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone age five and older be vaccinated for COVID-19 and that all adults get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if it has been at least six months since their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or if it has been at least two months since they received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

This recommendation includes individuals who have previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, whether they had symptoms of the disease or not. Studies have shown that immunity to COVID-19 infection decreases over time, and a booster shot significantly enhances protection against serious complications from COVID-19.

“Getting vaccinated does not necessarily mean you will not get the virus, just like getting a flu shot doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Office for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “Getting vaccinated does reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19 or suffering serious illness or hospitalization if you do become ill.”

“Even individuals who previously had COVID-19 should be vaccinated and get the booster shot when they are eligible for one,” Corder continued. “The vaccine series and boosters provide an additional layer of protection, even if you have had COVID-19 infection or have received monoclonal antibodies.”

Booster doses are available locally at pharmacies and some primary care providers. The Garrett County Health Department (GCHD) is making the booster available at all vaccination clinics scheduled at the health department offices in Oakland on Tuesdays and Grantsville on Fridays except for December 24 and 31. Registration links for December, January and February clinics are available at garretthealth.org.

Updated data on COVID-19 cases are not currently available due to network issues at the Maryland Department of Health.