ODH Releases Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has issued guidance to the more than 3,500 COVID-19 vaccine providers statewide to ensure they have access to the latest information on administering booster doses of the Pfizer/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, Ohioans can get information about the booster doses from the following recently released resources:

In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), booster doses of the Pfizer/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine are now available for the following populations at least six months after completion of the primary Pfizer series, meaning at least six months after the second dose was administered:

People 65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings SHOULD receive a booster shot.
People ages 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions SHOULD receive a booster shot.
People ages 18 to 49 with certain underlying medical conditions MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient, but those eligible are encouraged to talk to their physician if they have any questions.
People age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or living in an institutional setting MAY receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks. The CDC has indicated that this is a determination made by the vaccine recipient.

There are many opportunities in Ohio to be vaccinated, including walk-in and scheduled appointments statewide at pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, doctor’s offices, community vaccination sites, and local health departments. There is ample supply of vaccine for boosters, as well as first and second doses, for Ohioans. Ohioans will be able to check gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1.833.427.5634 for the latest eligibility information and to find a vaccine provider near them.

Eligible booster recipients will be asked to attest they have one of the qualifying conditions, but specific proof will not be required. Eligible Ohioans should allow 2-3 weeks to get their booster dose, with many opportunities to be vaccinated in their local community.

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available throughout the state. Many vaccine providers offer walk-in appointments, or Ohioans can schedule a vaccination appointment at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. Ohioans who want to learn more about the safety, efficacy, and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines should talk to their doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, or visit coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine to learn more.

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