For Immediate Release

09/27/2021    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth 

Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

CDC Approves the Pfizer-BioNTech Booster Shot for Certain Populations

This past Thursday, CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of one’s  first 2 Pfizer vaccines. As a result, the CDC Director also recommended a booster dose for those who may be at a higher risk of being exposed to COVID due to one’s job and work environment.

CDC recommends the following: 

• People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine series;
• People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditionsshould receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine series;
• People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19, due to certain underlying medical conditions,  may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine  series, based on their individual benefits and risks; and 
• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because one’s job and work environment may also receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccine series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The resources below from the CDC have been updated to reflect this new Pfizer booster recommendation; but in the meantime, please be aware that these resources will continue to be revised as needed: 

• CDC Booster Page
• CDC Interim Clinical Considerations 
• Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccine products

ACIP will continue to meet to evaluate new data and may recommend booster shots for other populations and vaccine recipients soon.

Along with last Friday’s recommendation, CDC and ACIP emphasized that the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 are those who are unvaccinated, and the nation’s priority should remain getting everyone fully vaccinated with their primary series. Please visit How to Find a Spot to Take Your Shot to schedule a COVID vaccine for you and/or your loved ones.

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PIO Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - September 23, 2021 (PDF)