By The Leader Staff
Kings County health officials recommend COVID-19 booster shots for anyone 18 and older

The California Department of Public Health has updated its guidance recommending COVID-19 vaccine boosters, which the Kings County Department of Public Health announced Monday.

The updated guidance follows statements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup (Workgroup) recommending booster shots for everyone age 18 and above who received one of the three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S.; Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen.

A Booster dose of Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccine is recommended if you:

A Booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is recommended if you:

“Because unvaccinated persons remain at much higher risk of COVID-19 than those who have received CVOID-19 vaccines, the Workgroup continues to strongly support vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone five years of age and older to control the pandemic.” - Arthur Reingold, MD, Chair of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

The Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) continues to offer all three booster products to eligible individuals. Individuals interested in receiving a booster shot must bring proof of vaccination dates to their appointment. Booster doses will be provided based on product availability, and the KCDPH does not guarantee an individual’s vaccine product preference will be available or suitable in each instance.

For individuals 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 6-month booster is then available to prolong vaccine protection.

If you have an underlying medical condition that you believe may qualify you for an additional dose, please talk to your medical provider about the right vaccination plan for you, based on your personal health history. Underlying medical conditions include but are not limited to:

 

It is 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: