Confused about whether you can/should get a COVID-19 booster? You’re not alone. – The Herald-Times

CDC: Definition of 'fully vaccinated' may change

The director of the C.D.C said Friday there may be a need to "update our definition of fully vaccinated in the future" as more people receive a booster shot. (Oct. 22)

AP

Last month, astate health official said any adult who wants a COVID-19 booster shot can get one, but what does that mean and how do you sign up?

People 18 and older who received initial vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna can get a booster so long as their second dosedates back at least six months. Those who got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster after two months.

Mask mandate:To remain 'probably several weeks beyond' minimum

The Indiana State Department of Health initially told the Herald-Times that it supports the administration of boosters to individuals who attest to meeting guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which are:

The guidelines cover nearly 97% of the 18-and-older population in Indiana, said Megan Wade-Taxter, media relations coordinator for the Indiana State Department of Health.

But Wade-Taxter also told The Herald-Times via email, Anyone who is at least 18 years old and is six months or more out from completing their Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series or two months out from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and wants a booster can get one.

COVID Guide: What you need to know about COVID testing sites and vaccinations in Monroe County

However, signing up for a booster can prove challenging. National providers, including Walgreens and CVS provide boosters only with appointments, which can be scheduled at ourshot.in.gov or the providers' websites. To be able to schedule a booster, patients have to fill out an online form, which generally includes checking boxes that show the patient qualifies for the booster under CDC guidelines.

Walgreens, for example, allows patients to select that they are at an increased risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to their work environment, based on individual benefit and risk. But if patients who want a booster check the box none of the above, they get the message, Patient ineligible.

The CVS website allows patients to schedule a booster if eligible, provides a link to the CDC guidelines and tells patients, By selecting this, youre confirming the guidelines apply to you.

Walmart requires patients to fill out a form that also lists eligibility guidelines, and their category of high-risk patients includes current and former smokers.

To be sure, some of the language here is vague. How exactly does one determine individual benefit and risk or what constitutes a high-risk setting?

Children eligible: Monroe County readies for COVID-19 vaccination of children ages 5 to 11

Penny Caudill, administrator of the Monroe County Health Department, said her priority remains getting people vaccinated who have received no shots at all. Thats about 43% of eligible adults.

Caudill said she has been fully vaccinated and will get her booster when she is eligible.

She said she would not want to get a booster before other people have received their first dose, and while she said that she is not aware of any shortages of vaccines, she said time and staffing is probably where the shortage is.

Boris Ladwig is the city government reporter for The Herald-Times. Contact him at bladwig@heraldt.com.

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Confused about whether you can/should get a COVID-19 booster? You're not alone. - The Herald-Times