About The Booster Shot

Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Health Officials Discuss Who Should Get Second Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccination

By Raoul Dennis

In line with national health directives, county leaders are calling on those eligible to get a second “booster” shot of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks addressed the matter in an Oct. 6 press conference.

“After we received the green light from federal and state governments, we began offering COVID-19 booster shots to residents who received the Pfizer vaccine, and we've done so at the Sports and Learning Center,” Alsobrooks said.

Click here to learn of additional locations and procedures to get the vaccination.

Residents who are eligible – and encouraged to get the booster shot – are as follows:

*People who are 65 years and older.

*Those aged 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions.

*Individuals who are aged 18 to 64 who work or reside in certain population-heavy settings (ex: residents who work in healthcare, a school, a grocery store, a correctional facility, or a homeless shelter).

Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the primary vaccination approved for the second dose application.

“The Center for Disease Control recommends that these groups receive a booster shot at least six months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer,” Alsobrooks reported.

The county executive stressed the point that residents don’t need to show proof of eligibility in order to get the booster.

“Individuals do not have to show proof of eligibility,” she said. “This is really important, you do not have to show proof of eligibility to receive a booster shot, but please keep in mind the timing for when you're scheduled for that booster shot.”

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations have not yet been approved for the booster but are expected to be available soon.

But the county executive went as far as to say that those with severely compromised immune systems should consider a third booster in accordance with national health officials.

“If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, you are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. As a reminder, the CDC has approved a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine also for those who have weakened immune systems. For people with weakened immune systems, a third dose is recommended 28 days after that second dose.”