Who can get a second COVID vaccine booster in Florida and when? What to know
Do you want an extra shot of protection against COVID-19?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration this week authorized a second booster dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people 50 and older at least four months after their initial booster dose. The authorization also includes certain immunocompromised people.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also recommending the shot.
But just like with previous doses, there are eligibility rules to know.
Here’s a guide to help you out:
Why is the FDA and CDC recommending another booster?
The FDA decided to authorize the second booster dose based on evidence of waning protection in older and immunocompromised people, as well as an “analysis of emerging data” that shows a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna could help increase protection for high-risk people, FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Peter Marks said in a news release.
“Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so,” Marks said.
But should you get a second booster dose?
Health experts are split on whether a second booster is necessary for everyone who is eligible. If you have questions on whether you should get the second booster or not, speak with your doctor.
When can you get a second COVID booster dose?
Anyone 50 and older who is fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna and has already gotten a booster is eligible. People 12 and older who are immunocompromised and are fully vaccinated and boosted can also get another dose.
However, you only get the new booster if it’s been at least four months since you got your last dose.
TIPS:
▪ If you can’t remember when your last COVID vaccine shot was or if you already got the first booster, check your CDC vaccine card or your immunization record. This new booster would be your fourth shot. If you’re immunocompromised, this would be your fifth shot.
▪ The CDC and FDA say it’s OK to mix and match, so if you got the Pfizer vaccine, you can switch to Moderna, or vice versa. However, immunocompromised people under 18 can only get Pfizer. Moderna is for adults.
READ NEXT: Did you lose your COVID vaccination card? How to get a replacement in Florida
Your vaccine was J&J. Can you get a booster?
If you got the initial single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and it’s been at least four months since your first booster, you can get the Pfizer or Moderna booster. However, you cannot get another J&J shot.
Where can you get the second COVID booster dose in Florida?
You soon can get the dose at retail pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Walmart, Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Navarro Discount Pharmacies. The boosters should also be available at county-run vaccine sites.
However, keep in mind that walk-in or same-day vaccination appointments may be subject to availability. And if you’re planning to schedule an appointment, take note that some online schedulers might still be in the process of being updated.
So are the boosters available yet in Florida? Here’s what retailers have told us so far:
▪ CVS Health, which owns traditional CVS stores, CVS y mas and Navarro Discount Pharmacies says it’s in the process of preparing a scheduling system at CVS.com, MinuteClinic.com and the CVS Pharmacy app to reflect the FDA and CDC’s new guidance. Walk-in or same-day appointments are subject to availability.
▪ Walgreens says people 50 and older will be able to schedule an appointment online or through the Walgreens app starting on Friday. For now, walk-in appointments will be available at stores through Friday, pending vaccine availability. For people 12 and older who are immunocompromised, appointments will become available in the coming days.
This article will be updated as more retailers respond.
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 3:53 PM with the headline "Who can get a second COVID vaccine booster in Florida and when? What to know."
