Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health will immediately begin offering booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible recipients who received their initial jabs of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines at least six months ago, the department said Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved booster shots for certain people who received the two-dose Moderna shot or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot — as well as the ability to safely mix-and-match which brand is taken for the booster shot. Moderna boosters will be available from LDCPH beginning Monday.
LDCPH said anyone who meets the following qualifications should seek a COVID-19 booster shot “immediately” to continue supporting antibody production against the respiratory virus:
- Anyone 65 and older
- Ages 18+ and older living in long-term care settings
- Ages 18+ with underlying medical conditions
- Ages 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Ages 18+ who live in high-risk settings
The CDC and FDA had previously approved third doses of the Pfizer vaccine for those who also received it as their initial shot and met the same qualifications.
“Evidence has shown that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines can wane after 6 months and all Douglas County residents are encouraged to get a booster shot to greatly increase their protection,” LDCPH said in its announcement.
To register for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, visit ldchealth.org/covidvaccine to sign up for an appointment at the drive-thru clinic located at 200 Maine St., on the northwest side of Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The clinic is open until 5 p.m. Friday, as well as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with a break from noon to 1 p.m.
According to LDCPH’s Wednesday update, 7,201 residents — or 6.8% of the eligible Douglas County population — have received a COVID-19 booster dose.
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