Here’s The Skinny on Boosters

Health Dept. inundated with inquiries
 
From our friends at DHD#10:
 
September 21, 2021 – District Health Department #10 reports that calls and emails have been flooding in from individuals wanting to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted to recommend the FDA grant Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a Pfizer Comirnaty booster dose in individuals 65 and older, individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19, and healthcare workers. While the recommendation was given by the FDA, full approval has not yet been given, and it is anticipated that the FDA will make its decision in the coming days. VRBPAC did not vote in favor of approval of a booster dose for the full population.  
 
Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 22-23 to discuss recommendations for COVID-19 booster doses in individuals 16 and older. 
 
DHD#10 will inform the public when the final decisions and recommendations are announced and ask that you please refrain from calling to see if you qualify for a booster dose. 
 
“We understand that people are anxious to receive a booster dose for increased protection against COVID-19 and its variants,” stated Kevin Hughes, Health Officer for DHD#10. “We ask for patience as the FDA and ACIP make their final determinations on who should receive a booster dose and of which vaccine type.” 
 
At this time, a COVID-19 booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna is only recommended for people who have: 

• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood 
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system 
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system 
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) 
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection 
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response 

 
Anyone who meets these criteria can schedule a booster dose at www.dhd10.org/schedule or contact us at 888-217-3904 for assistance.  
 
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