LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 24, 2021) – In accordance with the updated authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has updated the eligibility criteria for local COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics to include adults who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or institutional setting.
The following populations are now eligible to schedule a third additional COVID-19 vaccine dose through SMCHD:
- Individuals with compromised immune systems (Pfizer or Moderna recipients, at least 28 days after 2nd dose)
- Individuals age 65 and older (Pfizer recipients only, at least 6 months after 2nd dose)
- Individuals age 18 and older with underlying medical conditions (Pfizer recipients only, at least 6 months after 2nd dose
- NEW: Individuals age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional settings (Pfizer recipients only, at least 6 months after 2nd dose), such as workers in:
- Healthcare settings
- Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services & Fire Rescue
- Schools and childcare
- Grocery stores
Individuals should receive the same type of vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) as their first and second doses. SMCHD will verify individual age and vaccine history at the time of vaccination (bring ID and vaccine record/card). Documentation/proof of medical condition or occupation will not be required at the vaccine site. The CDC does not recommend additional doses for any other population at this time, including for those who initially received the J&J/Janssen vaccine.
For more information or to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, please visit smchd.org/covid-19-vaccine or call the SMCHD COVID-19 Community Hotline at (301) 475-4330. Please review the allergy guidance and the FAQs for SMCHD COVID-19 Vaccination prior to registering for a vaccine appointment.
For local COVID-19 updates, information, and data visit smchd.org/coronavirus.
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