Current Status - Updated 11/19/2021
- Everyone 5 and older is eligible to receive a COVID vaccine.
- Pfizer vaccines are available to everyone 5 years and older.
- Moderna vaccines are available to everyone 18 years and older.
- Johnson & Johnson is available for people 18 years and older.
Booster Doses for the General Public:
All 3 types of COVID-19 vaccine have been approved to be used as a "booster" dose for certain populations.
With many vaccines, the protection from infection with a virus starts to wear off over time. An additional dose of the vaccine may be needed to "boost" your immune response and make sure you're protected from the virus.
Who's Eligible for Boosters?
If you received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine during your primary series:
- Everyone age 18+, no matter which vaccine you initially received during your primary series
When Are You Eligible for your Booster?:
- At least 6 months after your 2nd Pfizer or Moderna dose
- At least 2 months after your Johnson & Johnson dose
Which Vaccine Should You Get?:
You may choose to get any of the 3 vaccines as your booster dose.
Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster.
CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Additional Doses for Immunocompromised People:
We are currently scheduling clinics for immunocompromised people to receive a 3rd doses in their primary COVID vaccine series.
- People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and may not build the same level of immunity to 2-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised.
- This additional dose intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series.
- CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Recipients of an additional COVID-19 vaccine will be asked to self-certify their eligibility at these clinics.
Who needs an additional COVID-19 vaccine?
CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes 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
People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.
Vaccine Call Center
The COVID-19 vaccination helpline is available to help answer vaccination questions and to help individuals sign up for a vaccine appointment if they are unable to register themselves online
COVID Vaccines Available
How do they work?
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are known as mRNA vaccines.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines help our body develop immunity against COVID-19. Immunity means that your body will quickly recognize the virus that causes COVID-19 and will protect you from getting sick.
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mRNA vaccines do not change your DNA
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mRNA vaccines do not cause disease
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mRNA vaccines are not weakened COVID19 viruses
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccine require 2 separate doses for it to reach full efficacy.
- The Pfizer vaccine requires doses 21 days apart.
- The Moderna vaccine requires doses 28 days apart.
Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccines
After getting the vaccine, some may experience side effects. These side effects are common to vaccines, are usually mild to moderate, and usually go away 1-2 days after vaccination. People may experience more side effects after Dose #2.
Side Effects May Include:
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Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
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Fever
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Headache
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Lymph node swelling
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Joint pain
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Fatigue
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Muscle pain
