The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently announced that booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will be available to certain adults. This decision follows an in-depth approval process by the federal government, and action in September approving Pfizer vaccine boosters.
“Vaccine providers across Pennsylvania have supplies of all three safe and effective vaccines and are ready to administer booster shots today to those who are eligible,” said Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam. “I am impressed by the tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who are stepping up every day to get their first, second or third dose of vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors against COVID-19.”
The CDC recommends booster shots for certain groups of individuals:
– Those who received Moderna or Pfizer vaccine are eligible to get a booster if it’s been at least six months since your initial series of two doses, and you are one of the following: age 65+; age 18+ and reside in a long-term care setting; age 18+ and have an underlying medical condition; age 18+ and work or live in a high-risk setting
– Those who received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine are eligible to get a booster if it’s been at least two months since their initial dose
Regardless of which brand of vaccine received for the primary COVID-19 vaccination, individuals are able to take any brand of booster dose. Those who have questions about getting vaccinated should talk to their doctor or other trusted healthcare professional.
Beam recently signed an order to ensure that vaccine providers are prepared to start scheduling COVID-19 booster shots upon CDC authorization.
There will be an adequate supply of the vaccine for eligible individuals and Pennsylvania vaccine providers are prepared to administer doses now and schedule appointments. As with other healthcare services, patients may need to schedule appointments in advance.
“These vaccines remain our best strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Beam. “If you are fully vaccinated, you still have protection. Getting a booster dose will increase your level of defense. If you have family and friends who are not yet vaccinated, please encourage them to talk to their doctor and consider getting vaccinated now.”
Visit vaccines.gov for more information.
