The Jefferson County Health Department reports that all adults age 18 and older now are eligible to receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
This is after the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced it supports the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that anyone 18 and older receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after having received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) or Moderna vaccine.
According to the information released: All adults are eligible to receive booster doses, and booster doses are strongly recommended for everyone 50 and older, who are at the greatest risk for severe disease.
People who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago are also eligible for a booster dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDC’s recommendations now also allow for mix-and-match dosing for booster doses. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. Health officials said that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at reducing risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death. CDC data show that in August 2021, the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. was more than 11 times greater for unvaccinated people than for fully vaccinated people.
However, scientists are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations. This waning of the efficacy of the vaccine is the reason for the new guidance on booster doses.
The Jefferson County Health Department is recommending all individuals aged 18 or older to get their booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated is about protection from illness, and helps to reduce new infections across the community.
With the high-level of disease transmission in Wisconsin, the CDC, DHS, and JCHD continue to urge everyone who is not vaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and for all people to add additional layers of protection including masking up indoors, staying home when feeling sick, and avoiding large indoor gatherings. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and others around you.
The Jefferson County Health Department will be administering COVID-19 vaccine at the health department Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling (920) 674-7275.
To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov text your zip code to 438829, or call 211. You can also call 844-684-1064 or 800-232-0233.
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