Pfizer vaccine booster doses are authorized

Both the Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco health districts are offering COVID-19 booster doses of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine to eligible populations in line with updated guidance issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recommendations are:

• People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.

• People aged 50–64 with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot least six months after their Pfizer- BioNTech primary series.

• People aged 18–49 with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot.

• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot.

The COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness decreases slowly at six months, but people still have strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. It's recommended that the booster dose is given six months or more after the second shot. Individuals who do not receive a booster will still be considered fully vaccinated.

If individuals have any questions or concerns about booster eligibility they should call 1-877/VAX-IN-VA, their local health department or their local health care provider.

To schedule a booster dose appointment locally, call the Dickenson County Health Department, 926-4979.

Vaccine providers in both health districts can also be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau/appointments/ and www.vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco/appointments/.