Pfizer 3rd booster endorsed, available

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday recommended a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be administered to those at highest risk for COVID-19.

CDC recommendations include:

• people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings shouldreceive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
• people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
• people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting mayreceive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. For anyone receiving a full series of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, a booster shot is not authorized at this time. However, individuals with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions are eligible for an additional dose of the Moderna vaccine. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are not authorized to receive a booster dose at this time.

According to the Teton County Health Department, all COVID vaccines continue to show effectiveness in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the delta variant.

“We continue to see stable and highly effective protection against hospitalizations and severe outcomes for people who are fully vaccinated,” the department stated. “Nearly all cases of severe disease, hospitalization, and death continue to occur in people who are not yet vaccinated.”

Teton County Health Department continues to prioritize and encourage those who haven’t been vaccinated yet to get vaccinated right away. The large-scale vaccination effort sometimes exceeds the capabilities of current local infrastructure. The Health Department asks for patience during these periods of high demand.

“We are working on expanding our clinic capacities and scaling up our response once again,” the department assured.