Health officials in California and other western states signed off on federal recommendations for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on Friday, Sept. 24, clearing the way for more people in the Golden State to get a third dose of the vaccine. The free booster is recommended for eligible people at least six months after they were vaccinated with the primary two doses of Pfizer’s vaccine. The boosters are now recommended for those who previously received Pfizer’s vaccine and federal health agencies will be evaluating data related to those who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines soon. Here is information on who is now allowed to get boosters and where to get the shot in California. Who should get the Pfizer booster shot? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel recommended that these groups at higher risk for severe COVID-19 get the shot. People 65 and olderPeople living in a long-term care facilityPeople 50-64 with underlying medical conditionsWho is also allowed to get the Pfizer booster shot? The CDC said that people at a higher risk for COVID-19 are also eligible to get the booster.People with underlying medical conditionsPeople at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional settings. This could include people in the “essential workers” category like health care workers, teachers or those working at homeless shelters, jails, day care facilities and grocery stores. The CDC recommends that people ask their health care provider whether getting a booster shot is appropriate for them.Where to get the booster shot in California?Walgreens said that people make appointments for booster shots here or by calling their local pharmacy or 1-800-Walgreens. New patients will be asked to verify their eligibility. Rite Aid said that eligible customers can now walk in to a store or schedule appointments here.CVS said that the booster shots will be available at 583 locations in California. The pharmacy chain recommends advance scheduling. California’s My Turn website has other options for scheduling third-dose appointments here. You can also use the federal vaccine finder tool here. | MORE | Biden urges COVID-19 booster shots for those now eligible
Health officials in California and other western states signed off on federal recommendations for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on Friday, Sept. 24, clearing the way for more people in the Golden State to get a third dose of the vaccine.
The free booster is recommended for eligible people at least six months after they were vaccinated with the primary two doses of Pfizer’s vaccine. The boosters are now recommended for those who previously received Pfizer’s vaccine and federal health agencies will be evaluating data related to those who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines soon.
Here is information on who is now allowed to get boosters and where to get the shot in California.
Who should get the Pfizer booster shot?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel recommended that these groups at higher risk for severe COVID-19 get the shot.
- People 65 and older
- People living in a long-term care facility
- People 50-64 with underlying medical conditions
Who is also allowed to get the Pfizer booster shot?
The CDC said that people at a higher risk for COVID-19 are also eligible to get the booster.
- People with underlying medical conditions
- People at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional settings. This could include people in the “essential workers” category like health care workers, teachers or those working at homeless shelters, jails, day care facilities and grocery stores. The CDC recommends that people ask their health care provider whether getting a booster shot is appropriate for them.
Where to get the booster shot in California?
Walgreens said that people make appointments for booster shots here or by calling their local pharmacy or 1-800-Walgreens. New patients will be asked to verify their eligibility.
Rite Aid said that eligible customers can now walk in to a store or schedule appointments here.
CVS said that the booster shots will be available at 583 locations in California. The pharmacy chain recommends advance scheduling.
California’s My Turn website has other options for scheduling third-dose appointments here.
You can also use the federal vaccine finder tool here.
| MORE | Biden urges COVID-19 booster shots for those now eligible