Missouri health agency approves COVID-19 booster shots for all adults
Following fresh federal guidance released Friday, fully vaccinated Missourians over the age of 18 are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, state health officials announced.
Under the new rules, qualified people may immediately get a single dose. The state was previously reserving booster shots for people over 65 years of age, those with underlying health issues or those at heightened risk because of a living or working condition.
State health officials are encouraging eligible adults to get a booster ahead of the upcoming holiday season, when other respiratory infections become common and people find themselves in close contact with extended family and friends. Boosters are only recommended for those who have been vaccinated for two months with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or at least 6 months with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
“The data we released yesterday shows that vaccines are undisputedly saving lives,” Donald Kauerauf, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said in a statement announcing the roll out. “These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness.”
Kauerauf added that many state residents are also beginning to receive their first doses. “We are continuing to make progress as a state,” Kauerauf said.
The news in Missouri follows changes made by federal regulators earlier Friday related to the Pfizer and Moderna versions of the vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized boosters for all adults above 18. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s advisory committee also voted in support.
Kansas officials gave the green light for adults residing in the state to get boosters earlier this week.
The Star’s Lisa Gutierrez contributed to this report.
