That’s according to the Frederick County Health Department.
Frederick, MD (KB) The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have authorized booster shots for those who received the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations. Rissah Watkins, spokesperson for the Frederick County Health Department:
“We did know this was coming so we have been planning how we would be able to support booster doses in all of our vaccine clinics, so as soon as the decision was made, we were able to implement it,” explained Watkins.
Watkins said the Health Department began administering booster shots on Friday at the Oak Street vaccination clinic.
“The CDC and FDA have authorized that mix-and-match for booster doses, which means that eligible individuals can choose which vaccine they receive for the booster, and that is possible at any of our vaccination clinics,” said Watkins.
The following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their second dose of Moderna;
- 65 years and older
- Long-term care residents and staff
- 18+ who have underlying medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, obesity
- 18+ who work and live in high risk settings
“So that category of people who work and live in high risk settings does include our first responders, police officers, fire fighters, EMTs, our health care workers, any staff who work at a congregate care facility, our nursing homes, long-term care facilities, all of our education staff, teachers, support staff, daycare workers…” said Watkins.
The rest of the list includes: food service workers, agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.
“Booster doses for people who received Johnson and Johnson are also recommended for people who are 18 years and older who were vaccinated two or more months ago,” explained Watkins. “There’s no other categories, if you received Johnson and Johnson, it is recommended that you receive a booster dose when you are able.”
Watkins said booster shots are readily available in the Frederick County community.
“You can get your booster dose from any vaccination clinic, so it is not necessary to return to the same clinic where you got your first or second dose,” said Watkins. “Many people got their first or second doses at Health Department clinics and we just want to make people aware that there might be a community clinic closer to you at your local pharmacy or your doctor’s office might have it at this point also.”
Watkins said appointments for booster shots are not necessary, but can be made using the Health Department’s online registration or by calling the call center.
Online registration: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/629/COVID-19-Vaccine
Call Center: 855-634-6829
Local appointment help: 301-600-7900
Local appointment help (Spanish): 301-600-7505