Kings County health officials say that Moderna, Pfizer, and Janssen booster shots available

The recommendation follows emergency use authorization for a booster dose of each product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent weeks. The Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) is now offering all three booster products to eligible individuals.

The Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna booster dose is now available to specific populations who completed their original 2-dose series at least 6 months ago and are:

• 65 years and older; or
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings; or
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions; or
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings that may increase exposure to Sars CoV2

The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) booster dose is available and recommended to those age 18 years and older who received their first Janssen dose at least 2 months ago.

Individuals who meet eligibility criteria must bring proof of vaccination dates to their appointment. A signed self-attestation will also be required at the time of vaccination. Booster doses will be provided based on eligibility status and product availability. KCDPH does not guarantee an individual’s vaccine product preference will be available or suitable in each instance.

Currently available data show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death; even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus, and help prevent new variants from emerging.

For those 12 and older who are immunocompromised, the primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series may consist of three doses instead of two. This “additional dose” serves to help vulnerable individuals reach comparable levels of protection demonstrated in the general population.

In immunocompromised individuals, doses one and two are administered 21 days apart, and dose three an additional 28 days later. The six-month booster is then available to prolong vaccine protection.

If subjects have an underlying medical condition, health officials urge them to speak to their medical provider about whether a booster dose or an additional dose is right for you, based on your personal health history. Underlying medical conditions include but are not limited to:

• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Chronic Lung disease, including COPD, moderate-to-severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Down Syndrome
• Heart Conditions
• HIV infection
• Liver Disease
• Overweight and Obesity
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

Local health officials strongly suggested that individuals make an appointment, rather than relying on walk-in availability. Visit https://myturn.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to make an appointment.

KCDPH continues to urge the public to take all COVID-19 prevention measures appropriate for them: 

• Get vaccinated; to schedule an appointment visit: https://myturn.ca.gov/
• Wear a face covering, regardless of your vaccine status, to protect yourself and those who cannot get vaccinated at this time
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
• Stay home if you are sick

Visit www.kingscovidinfo.com for current information and guidance.