Kids 12 to 15 can get COVID boosters in Kansas, additional shots for high risk kids
More Kansans will now be able to get their COVID-19 booster shot, and immunocompromised kids in Kansas can get an additional dose of the vaccine.
On Thursday, Jan. 6, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) authorized vaccine providers throughout the state to begin offering these additional doses. This comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded vaccine and booster eligibility with new guidance on Jan. 4, and after Children’s Mercy Hospital recorded record numbers of children hospitalized with COVID-19.
Who can now get a booster in Kansas who couldn’t before?
Children ages 12 to 15: If your child received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine five months ago, they can now get a booster shot, according to the latest CDC guidance and the state of Kansas. This includes more than 36,000 children in Kansas who were vaccinated at least five months ago, of the more than 68,000 12-15 year-olds the state has on record of receiving their vaccine.
Anyone who received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine five months ago, so before August 6, 2021. This is because of new CDC guidance. The two month waiting period after Johnson and Johnson, and six month waiting period after Moderna doses before you can get a booster has not changed.
Who can get a full third dose of the vaccine who couldn’t before?
Children ages 5 to 11 who are severely immunocompromised: The latest CDC guidance advises kids to get an additional primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second dose.
“The Pfizer booster shot is shown to increase the neutralizing antibodies by 25-fold compared to just two doses,” Janet Stanek, the acting secretary of KDHE, said in a statement. “Now is the best time to get the booster shot or get the primary series if you have not gotten it to protect yourself and your family.”
Adults and 16 and 17-year-olds can still get a booster shot in Kansas, and in Missouri.
You can find where to get a vaccine or booster near you using our guide.
What other questions do you have about COVID-19 or vaccines? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below. We’re doing our best to answer and report stories based on your questions.