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Clinics will begin administering the second booster dose today
Following the measures taken by the US Food and Drug Administration , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Wake County Department of Public Health has started accepting appointments this afternoon for people who are immunocompromised and those age 50 and older who would like to receive an additional booster shot.
“Vaccines remain the best tool we have to prevent serious illness and save lives, and if our highest-risk residents want to give themselves another boost in protection, we want to be here for them,” said Sig Hutchinson, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. Wake County.
Certain people who are immunocompromised and over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago are now eligible for another booster dose of mRNA to increase their protection against severe COVID-19 disease. On the other hand, and based on According to newly released data , adults who received a primary and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. .
During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were less likely to die or be hospitalized from COVID-19 compared to those who were not vaccinated, according to the CDC . The Wake County Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children 5 years of age and older stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving an initial booster when they are eligible.
“Boosters are safe and are especially important for people 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19,” said Dr. Nicole Mushonga, Associate Medical Director and Director of the Wake County Epidemiology Program.
Recipients do NOT need to return to the place where they received previous doses. Wake County’s five vaccine clinics offer all brands, with same-day availability six days a week, including evening and Saturday hours. There is no cost, no ID, no insurance, and no proof of employment or medical condition is required. Recipients must bring their immunization cards to record immunization. Go to WakeGov.com/vaccine or call the NC COVID-19 Helpline at 1-888-675-4567 to make an appointment.
