The booster roll-out is picking up steam, but many are still unclear about the guidelines determining who is eligible, especially when it comes to defining the “at-risk” occupations.“For everyone who has a job that puts them at risk, it’s self-attestation. The CDC offers some guidance, but certainly, anyone who feels their job puts them at risk is eligible,” said Hamilton County Health commissioner Greg Kesterman.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines approved by the Ohio Department of Health list certain occupations like healthcare workers, first responders and teachers, but others are left up for interpretation.“We want people who feel like they need to get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, to have access to it. So, all of our clinics are asking the questions provided by the Ohio Department of Health and we’re providing access,” Kesterman said.Some of the guidelines from the CDC are more clear than others.Anyone who wants a booster must have had both shots of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.Anyone over the age of 65 is eligible. Anyone who is aged 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions is eligible, among others.The booster program comes as many employers are enforcing vaccine mandates and vaccine approval for kids ages 5 to 11 is expected by the end of October.Despite that, Kesterman did not expect any problems with vaccine supply.
The booster roll-out is picking up steam, but many are still unclear about the guidelines determining who is eligible, especially when it comes to defining the “at-risk” occupations.
“For everyone who has a job that puts them at risk, it’s self-attestation. The CDC offers some guidance, but certainly, anyone who feels their job puts them at risk is eligible,” said Hamilton County Health commissioner Greg Kesterman.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines approved by the Ohio Department of Health list certain occupations like healthcare workers, first responders and teachers, but others are left up for interpretation.
“We want people who feel like they need to get vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, to have access to it. So, all of our clinics are asking the questions provided by the Ohio Department of Health and we’re providing access,” Kesterman said.
Some of the guidelines from the CDC are more clear than others.
Anyone who wants a booster must have had both shots of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
Anyone over the age of 65 is eligible. Anyone who is aged 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions is eligible, among others.
The booster program comes as many employers are enforcing vaccine mandates and vaccine approval for kids ages 5 to 11 is expected by the end of October.
Despite that, Kesterman did not expect any problems with vaccine supply.
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