Booster Vaccine
Information regarding the COVID-19 booster vaccine in the Imperial County
The Updated COVID-19 Booster vaccine is recommended 2-months following the primary vaccination series or monovalent booster dose, for specific populations, as outlined below.
Who:
An updated COVID-19 booster dose is recommended following completion of a primary vaccination series or monovalent booster dose. The following ages are eligible for a booster dose:
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Pfizer: 6 months and older
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Moderna: 6 months and older
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Johnson & Johnson: 18 and older
To make an appointment or find a nearby vaccine clinic, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
FAQ's on the Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J booster vaccine can be found at: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Questions & Answers (ca.gov)
Additional information can also be found at the Imperial County Public Health Department’s website: www.icphd.org and on the Department’s social media platforms. Information is also available by calling 442-265-6700 Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm.
A single booster dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines may be administered as a mix and match (heterologous) booster dose following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The eligible populations and dosing interval for a mix and match booster dose are the same as those authorized for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination.
For example, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine recipients 18 years and older may receive a single booster dose of the J&J or Pfizer, or a booster dose of Moderna (half dose) at least two months after receiving their J&J primary vaccination.
In another example, Moderna and Pfizer vaccine recipients falling into one of the authorized categories for boosters may receive a booster dose of Moderna (half dose), Pfizer or J&J at least five months after completing their primary vaccination.
No. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.
Yes, the booster is free. You do not need to present payment or have health insurance.
While the COVID-19 vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the protection provided by the vaccine could wane over time, especially among those at higher risk or who were vaccinated during earlier phases of the vaccination rollout. For that reason, a booster shot is needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability. Certain individuals who received two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6months ago are eligible for a booster dose, including everyone over age 65 and people age 18-64 with underlying health conditions people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting.
If you have your vaccine card it is helpful so that your booster dose can be added to it, but you do not need to show your CDC vaccination card to get your booster. You will be asked to self-attest that you meet eligibility requirements such as age, health conditions, or occupation. There are no ID, insurance, or state registry requirements. Your vaccinator may choose to look up your vaccine records to confirm the right type of vaccine for your booster.
Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations like a flu or shingles vaccine at the same time or close together, according to the CDC.