Redding COVID Update
Booster Shots
In August the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that people age 18 and up who are considered immunocompromised who received either Pfizer-BioNtech or Moderna are eligible for a third shot.
Those who are considered immunocompromised:
• are on medication because they received an organ transplant,
• are receiving active cancer treatment with chemotherapy and other drugs
• are taking immunosuppressive drugs for an auto immune disease
• have been taking long term prednisone prescribed by a doctor for a health condition
• have been told by their doctor that their immune system is compromised
This past week the CDC expanded eligibility for booster shots. Those age 65 and older, residents age 18 years and older living in long-term settings, and people aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot at least 6 months after completing the 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot series.
The CDC also recommends that people aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions along with people aged 18-64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure may receive the booster shot at least 6 months after receiving the 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot series.
Underlying medical conditions includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, stroke, obesity, liver disease, and substance abuse disorder.
Those who are considered at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure includes:
• First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
• Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
• Food and agricultural workers
• Grocery store workers
• Public transit workers
The recent booster authorization only applies to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Moderna and J & J vaccines continue to be under FDA review and currently do not have approval for use as a booster. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J & J booster shots are expected soon. The CDC will keep the public informed of the status of the review process.
Where to Get COVID-19 Booster Shots
According to the CT Department of Public Health there are about 800 vaccine providers in the state. Just about every pharmacy in the area as well as RVNA Health, Costco, Walmart, and the Big Y carry the COVID-19 vaccines. If you qualify now for the booster shot, you can schedule your appointment with them. Using this vaccine finder link is the best method to locate a provider and to set up an appointment https://covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov/?query=06896 The site also lets you know which vaccines the provider offers.
Redding has scheduled a COVID Vax Van clinic for Sunday. October 10th and for Sunday, October 17 at the Community Center from 1-4pm. All 3 brands of vaccine are available. Once Moderna is approved we plan on running Moderna clinics in Redding. Details will follow as they develop.
Town-wide flu shot clinic
Town-wide flu shot clinic will be run on Saturday, October 2nd from 1:00-4:00pm, at the Redding Community Center.
Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz
Director of Health
Doug Hartline, RS
Health Officer