The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have endorsed recommendations for booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents ages 12 to 15, five months after their initial vaccination series.

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment will offer these shots to eligible adolescents by appointment beginning today, Jan. 6, at its Mission COVID-19 vaccination clinic, located at 6000 Lamar Ave. Appointments can be scheduled at jocogov.org/coronavirus. Boosters are also available at other providers, including physician offices, pharmacies and grocery stores and these upcoming community vaccine events.

“Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. More than 25 million vaccine doses have been administered to adolescents. The vaccines are safe and effective. We are pleased to be able to offer more of our population booster shots that will help protect residents from severe outcomes,” said Sanmi Areola, PhD, JCDHE director.

Those with questions about booster shots and residents in need of assistance to schedule their booster appointments can call 913-715-2819 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also send an email to jcdhe@jocogov.org. Emails are answered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers will be available to answer calls or emails.

Those who are eligible can search for a nearby vaccine provider by visiting vaccines.gov, texting their ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233.