CDC Recommends Pfizer Booster Dose for Adults 65+ and Specific At-Risk Groups

Today, Center for Disease Control (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations and also recommended a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and CDC’s guidance for use are important steps forward as we work to stay ahead of the virus and keep people safe.

This updated interim guidance from the CDC allows for millions of Americans who are at highest risk for COVID-19 to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster dose shot to help increase their protection.

Myrtue Medical Center’s Department of Public Health will offer a Pfizer boost dose clinic on September 30th at Vet’s Auditorium from 4-7PM. Please bring your vaccine card with you. We will not be scheduling appointments; vaccine will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Again, this applies only to people that received a Pfizer primary series and meet eligibility guidelines listed below.

CDC recommendations include a booster dose meeting the following criteria:

• People 65 years of age and older
• Residents in long-term care settings
• People aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine AT LEAST 6 months after their second dose of their Pfizer primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
• People aged 18-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
• People aged 18-64 years of age who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Underlying health conditions as defined by the CDC for the purpose of the Pfizer booster vaccine include:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic lung disease, such as moderate to severe asthma, COPD, scarred lung tissue, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Dementia or other neurological conditions
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension.
• HIV infection
• A weakened immune system
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Smoking, current or former
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
• Substance use disorders
• Overweight or obesity—having a body mass index of >25 kg/m or more

These recommendations are only for those that had a primary series of PFIZER COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC will also evaluate data in the coming weeks to make additional recommendation for other populations or people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Individuals will be asked to self-attest (report they are eligible) to receive a booster shot at available clinics.

For questions, please call Community Health at 712.755.4422. We appreciate your patience as we plan and prepare for this round of COVID-19 boost dose vaccine.