By Barbara Mitchell

The Federal Drug Administration has authorized, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended, a second booster dose for certain individuals.

CDC updated its recommendations on March 29 to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago to be eligible for another mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19.

In addition, CDC recommends adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after the first booster dose.

The CDC explained, “data continue to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals from infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. For adults and adolescents eligible for a first booster dose, these shots are safe and provide substantial benefit.

During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and seven-times less likely to be hospitalized. CDC continues to recommend that all eligible adults, adolescents and children 5 and older be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an initial booster when eligible.”

The updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations, including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Johnson County Department of Health and Environment fully supports these recommendations and encourages all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin immediately providing a second booster dose for all eligible individuals.

Vaccinations are available at many places in Johnson County, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

For the latest information about COVID-19, including vaccines, go to jocogov.org or call 913-715-2819, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Barbara Mitchell is director of the Community Health Division for the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. The information in this article was accurate at the time of publishing but is subject to change as new data becomes available.