Priority Group for Updated COVID-19 Boosters Has Been Expanded

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

This morning the Garrett County Health Department updated their announcement concerning the Moderna and Pfizer updated COVID-19 boosters. The health department’s priority group for the new boosters has been expanded to include persons aged 50 and older and all healthcare workers. These boosters are available at all the health department COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. The bivalent vaccine is approved for emergency use as a single booster following completion of the primary vaccine series (Moderna or Pfizer 2 shots, or a single Johnson and Johnson or Novavax), or a single booster if it has been at least 2 months since your most recent booster.

To stay up-to-date on vaccinations the CDC recommends an updated booster dose at least 2 months after an individual’s last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. The Pfizer updated booster shot is authorized for individuals 12 and older, and the Moderna updated booster shot is authorized for adults 18 and older. As new variants of the virus emerge, updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against COVID-19.

Vaccination:

Garrett County Health Department Clinic (1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland) – each Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment here: garretthealth.org/vax-updated/.
Garrett County Health Department Clinic (28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville) – each Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Appointments preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment here: garretthealth.org/vax-updated/.