COVID-19 vaccinations and booster update
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a second COVID-19 booster vaccination to select groups on March 29. Immunocompromised individuals are being encouraged to get an extra primary dose. The current vaccination updates are focused on immunocompromised individuals and those older than 50. COVID-19 testing is still being offered for free at select locations in Humboldt County.
Booster update
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the latest COVID-19 booster vaccine recommendations on April 1. Individuals 50 years of age and older are encouraged to receive a second COVID-19 booster vaccine at least five months after the primary series if they received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
For individuals 50 years of age vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson in their primary series, it is recommended to get one booster two months after the last primary dose. A second booster should be administered four months after the first booster.
The primary series includes all COVID-19 vaccinations prior to a booster. A second booster vaccine is also being recommended to individuals who are immunocompromised and 12 years or older.
According to the U.S. FDA people who are immunocompromised are those, “who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.”
Additional vaccines for immunocompromised
The CDC is now recommending people who are immunocompromised to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccination as part of their primary series. Vaccinations vary depending on age and the brand of vaccine an individual received during their initial primary doses. According to the CDC, additional vaccinations should be followed as listed below:
Children ages 5 – 11 vaccinated with Pfizer:
A total of three doses should be administered to complete the primary series of vaccinations.
A booster vaccine is not recommended for this age group.
Individuals ages 12+ vaccinated with Pfizer:
A total of three doses should be administered to complete the primary series of vaccinations.
The CDC is recommending to receive one booster vaccine five months after the initial three doses have been administered. If eligible for a second booster, getting it at least four months after the first booster.
Adults ages 18+ vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna:
A total of three doses should be administered to complete the primary series of vaccinations.
The CDC is recommending to receive one booster vaccine five months after the initial doses have been administered. If eligible for a second booster, get it at least five months after your first booster.
Adults ages 18+ vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson:
For adults who were initially vaccinated with J&J, it is recommended that they get an additional vaccination of either Pfizer or Moderna.
The CDC is recommending to receive one booster vaccine of either Pfizer or Moderna two months after the primary vaccination series. If eligible for a second booster, it is recommended to get it at least four months after your first booster.
People who were vaccinated outside of the United States:
According to the CDC, it is recommended for people who are immunocompromised and received COVID-19 vaccines not available in the United States to restart the COVID-19 vaccination series.
Free testing in Humboldt County
Currently testing is being limited around Humboldt county. Free COVID-19 tests are still being administered through the Humboldt County Department of Human Health Services at select locations. For more information on COVID-19 test registration, locations, and times visit www.humboldtgov.org/2787/Test-Registration.
Cal Poly Humboldt is also offering free COVID-19 testing to all students and employees. Tests are administered on a walk in basis, no prior registration is required. Stay up to date with testing locations, times and more by visiting www.campusready.humboldt.edu/testing_vaccine.
