Missouri public health department announces new guidance on COVID-19 boosters
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced new guidance Friday for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson versions.
Following updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state health agency says eligibility for the additional shot for those with Pfizer or Moderna apply to those 6 months after full vaccination who are:
65 and older
over 18 and live in long-term care facilities
over 18 with an underlying medical condition
over 18 who live or work in high-risk settings, including health care or education.
For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, everyone over 18 is eligible to receive a booster shot two months after receiving the dose.
Agency director Donald Kauerauf said in a statement that it is important for those eligible to begin receiving booster doses. But he added that 36% of Missouri residents over age 12 have yet to receive a first dose, saying “it’s not too late to do so.”
“Taking that step now would provide one with a high level of protection for the holidays,” he said.
The state agency is advising those seeking a booster shot to visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a nearby provider, schedule an appointment or find a walk-in clinic.
This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 6:58 PM.
