COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Booster Shots Available for Residents, More than 70% People 18+ are Vaccinated
Now that you have gotten vaccinated against Covid-19, it is time for a booster shot. Booster shots are also needed to increase immunity as protection from the original shot wanes. The Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines provide protection against the viral strains circulating in the U.S. and are highly effective at reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
Based on updated CDC guidance, the county offers Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, in addition to the previously authorized Pfizer booster shots. Residents in the following groups who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot six months or more after completing their initial series:
· 65 years and older
· Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
· Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
· Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
Individuals 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot if they were vaccinated two or more months ago. Visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine for more information.
The County and other health care providers are also offering third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to residents who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, based on CDC guidance. A third dose of Pfizer or Moderna is recommended at least 28 days for those individuals who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not build the same level of immunity to a two-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised.
The CDC is reporting that 85.3% of adults (ages 18+) in the County have received at least one vaccination. Also, 74.8% of residents ages 12 and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Finally, 95.1% of seniors in the county have now received at least one dose of a vaccine.
Prince George’s County Health Department encourages family, friends and anyone else that has not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Residents can find the nearest vaccine site at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.
This information is provided on the county website and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ e-newsletter. Subscribe here.