From Cook County Public Health - September 24, 2021

Cook County Public Health and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic are planning to offer booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with new CDC recommendations. The new recommendation is for certain high-risk individuals to receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine 6 months after the 2nd dose. Booster shots will help increase protection for individuals in these high-risk groups.

Who SHOULD get the booster dose according to the CDC:

• People 65 and older

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• People 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions

Who MAY get the booster dose according to the CDC:

• People 18-49 years with underlying health conditions

• People 18-49 years at increased risk of transmission due to occupational or institutional exposure

More details on eligibility can be found on the CDC website at:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html

It is important to note that this recommendation is only for those individuals who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine previously. There is not currently a booster recommendation for those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you are unsure which type of COVID-19 vaccine you received, it is listed on the vaccination card you received.

“As the more contagious Delta variant drives an increase in cases of COVID-19, booster doses of Pfizer vaccine will help strengthen protection against severe disease for those most at risk,” said Public Health Supervisor, Grace Grinager. “As we begin to offer these booster doses, we also continue to stress and prioritize vaccination among those in our community who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain at extremely high risk for becoming ill due to the virus.”

Cook County Public Health and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic collaborate to provide weekly vaccination options for residents. Early next week, registration opportunities for Pfizer booster  doses will open on the Cook County COVID-19 hub site at https://cookcountycovid19.org. If you have questions about your specific medical condition and are unsure about your eligibility, please reach out to your medical care provider.