COVID-19 booster shots just became an option for several groups of people potentially vulnerable to the virus, and with that, public health officials are gearing up the new demand.
So just what do Cincinnati area public health and other medical providers have planned? And what should you do if you qualify and want a booster? We asked public health and hospital officials.
Should people bring their COVID-19 vaccine card?
Cincinnati Health Department: Yes, bring a vaccination card for verification if at all possible so the department isn't overwhelmed with getting a replacement for every person.
The Health Collaborative: Yes. But if you lost your card, vaccine providers can provide a new one and look you up in state vaccine records. That way everything is on one card.
Ohio Health Department: Yes, please be sure to bring your existing COVID-19 vaccine card to be updated. If you cannot find your vaccine card, you should first contact your original vaccine provider to see if they can locate your records. If they are unable to assist, please contact your local health department. If they are unable to assist, please review this information on how to mail a request for your vaccination records to the Ohio Department of Health. You will not be able to obtain a new vaccine card by request, but will be able to access your vaccination records.
Do people need any kind of ‘proof’ of qualifying?
Cincinnati Health Department: No outside proof. This is based on self-attestation.
The Health Collaborative: No, but talk to your doctor if you have questions about if it is right for you.
Ohio Health Department: Eligible booster recipients will be asked to attest they have one of the qualifying conditions, but specific proof will not be required.
Can people walk into your clinics or should they make an appointment?
Cincinnati Health Department: Appointments will be required for those eligible to receive the Pfizer booster. For the Cincinnati Health Department, scheduling an appointment is through ArmorVax.
The Health Collaborative: We will be updating testandprotectcincy.com as needed to reflect changes in appointments or any information to know regarding boosters/third shots.
Ohio Health Department: Ohioans will be able to check gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov for the latest eligibility information and to find a vaccine provider near them.
Should people first try their primary caregiver?
Cincinnati Health Department: Yes, seeking an appointment to the closest provider is best.
The Health Collaborative: Yes. The Ohio Department of Health and Gov. Mike DeWine said appointments will become available over the next two to three weeks.
Ohio Health Department: Ohio’s more than 3,500 enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers will be able to offer boosters to eligible Ohioans. There are many opportunities in Ohio to be vaccinated, including at pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, doctor’s offices, community vaccination sites and local health departments.
Will there be enough vaccine?
Cincinnati Health Department: Yes.
The Health Collaborative: Yes.
Ohio Health Department: Yes. There is ample supply of vaccine for boosters, as well as first and second doses, for Ohioans.
Do I qualify for a booster?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided guidelines on who qualifies for boosters:
- Those 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series of vaccines.
- Anyone aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should get a booster at least six months after their first series of shots.
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot a least six months after they were fully vaccinated based on each person's benefits and risks (check with your physician).
- Those aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional setting (such as health care workers) may receive a booster shot at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
What qualifies as an underlying medical condition?
The CDC regularly updates the list of medical conditions, ranging from cancer to substance abuse disordered, that qualify for getting a COVID-19 booster shot. To see the full list go to https://bit.ly/3lVm12T
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