Health department offering Moderna, J&J booster shots

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and third shots for severely immunocompromised individuals are available from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Christian County Health Department today will begin offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots to eligible individuals. The department was already offering Pfizer booster shots.

Recipients will not be charged any out-of-pocket expense for the shot, according to the health department.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and third shots for severely immunocompromised individuals are available from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

“We encourage individuals who meet these criteria to get their booster to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe,” CCHD Marketing and Communications Director Cloie Rager said in a news release.

Criteria for recipients of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine

For individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot six months after their initial series:

Johnson & Johnson guidance

All individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot two months after their initial series.

‘Mix and match’ booster shots

According to the health department’s release, the same product that was used for the primary series should be used for the booster shot. However, if it isn’t available or another product is preferred, a single dose of any authorized COVID-19 vaccine is acceptable.

Those who opt to receive a COVID-19 booster that is different from their initial vaccine series should follow the interval recommendations for their primary vaccination.

Underlying medical conditions

Individuals with the following conditions are considered at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung disease (including COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension)
  • Dementia or other neurological conditions
  • Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
  • Down syndrome
  • Heat conditions
  • HIV infection
  • Immunocompromised state
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight or obese
  • Pregnancy (current or recent)
  • Sickle cell disease of thalassemia
  • Smoking (current or former)
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
  • Substance abuse disorders

Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.