The Gist: The CDC has formally made its recommendations on the booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccines. In Georgia, the state department of public health is following that guidance.
First thing’s first: The guidance only applies to the Pfizer vaccine. If you got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the FDA has not issued any recommendations yet for boosters of those vaccines.
What is a booster?: In the case of coronavirus vaccine, the booster shot would be a third dose that would come several months after you have completed the initial two-dose vaccination.
Who should get a booster shot?: According to the CDC guidance, the following groups should receive the booster.
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks
- 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 of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
When will it be available?: The Georgia Department of Public Health will begin giving booster doses at health department vaccination locations on Monday, Sept. 27.
HOW TO GET VACCINATED: COVID-19 has killed more than 30,000 Georgia residents. Don’t let yourself or your loved ones die from a preventable virus. COVID vaccines are free and widely available statewide without insurance or identification. To find a vaccination location or to schedule an appointment, visit https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.
The form you have selected does not exist.
- Parenting Horror Stories: Rotten Fruit, Diaper Disasters, and Life Lessons
- Road Rage Shooting in Atlanta Saturday Night: What We Know
- Drowning Under Investigation After Boat Accident at Georgia Lake
- Georgia Weather: August Will End on a Cool Note
- Own a Piece of History: Here’s Some Merch With the Old Cracker Barrel Logo
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
