Earlier this month, the Center for Disease Control issued guidance related to COVID-19 booster shots. Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.
Data from a small clinical trial show that a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series 6 months earlier. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
Currently, booster shots are only available for some Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients. Examples of eligible individuals include:
People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings and at least six months past their second Pfizer dose
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions and at least six months past their second Pfizer dose
People ages 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions "based on their individual benefits and risks" and at least six months past their second Pfizer dose
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational risk and at least six months past their second Pfizer dose, including:
- First responders (e.g., healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care
staff)
- Education staff (e.g., teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
- Food and agriculture workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Corrections workers
- U.S. Postal Service workers
- Public transit workers
- Grocery store workers
Individuals who fall in any of these categories are welcome to visit a Cook County Health location for their booster.