Clinics to begin administering 2nd booster doses today
Following actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Wake County Public Health began taking appointments this afternoon for immunocompromised individuals and those over the age of 50 seeking an additional booster shot.
"Vaccines remain the best tool we have to prevent severe disease and save lives, and if our highest risk residents want to give themselves another boost of protection, we want to be here for them,” said Sig Hutchinson, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
Certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago are now eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were less likely to die or be hospitalized from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, according to the CDC. Wake County Public Health is strongly encouraging all eligible adults, teens and children 5 and older stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an initial booster when eligible.
“Boosters are safe and are especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions who are at increased their risk for severe disease from COVID-19,” said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Wake County Associate Physician Director and Epidemiology Program Director.
Recipients do NOT need to go back to the place where they received previous doses. All five of Wake County Public Health’s vaccine clinics offer all brands, with same-day availability six days a week, include evening and Saturday hours. There is no cost, no ID, no insurance and no proof of medical condition or employment required. Recipients should bring their vaccine cards to record the immunization. Go to WakeGov.com/vaccine or call the N.C. COVID-19 Help Line at 1-888-675-4567 to make an appointment.
