We know you’ve been curious about COVID-19 booster shots. There’s been a lot of information and news stories surrounding booster shots- let’s set the record straight.
Who should plan to get a COVID-19 booster shot?
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. Everyone is encouraged to receive initial COVID-19 vaccine(s) and to follow up with a booster shot the recommended amount of time after their dose (see below for information pertaining to time between each vaccine).
What vaccine should I get for my COVID-19 booster shot?
Pullman Regional Hospital Pharmacist, Andrea Howell, says “there’s not strong data either way between getting the same vaccine as you originally did versus getting a different one. Something is better than nothing when considering booster shots- all the data thus far shows that all 3 vaccine boosters are effective.”
If you received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine:
-You are eligible to receive a booster shot 2 months after your original vaccine date
-You can schedule your booster shot at any retail pharmacy or vaccine clinic (indicate you are scheduling your booster)- find one HERE
If you received a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine:
-You are eligible to receive a boost shot 6 months after your 2nd dose of the vaccine
-You can schedule your booster shot at any retail pharmacy or vaccine clinic (indicate you are scheduling your booster)- find one HERE
If you received a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:
-You are eligible to receive a boost shot 6 months after your 2nd dose of the vaccine
-You can schedule your booster shot at any retail pharmacy or vaccine clinic (indicate you are scheduling your booster)- find one HERE
Where can I get my COVID-19 booster shot?
Whitman County has a variety of pharmacies and vaccine clinics that administer both initial COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as booster shots. Sid’s Pharmacy, Pullman Regional Hospital, Whitman Hospital Medical Clinic, Safeway Pharmacy, Riteaid, Walmart, Pullman Family Medicine, Palouse Medical, and Cougar Health Services are all scheduling vaccinations. Howell says that, “there is currently not a supply issue in Whitman County, so people should not worry that receiving their COVID-19 booster shot in any way impacts the ability for others to receive their initial or booster shots. There is enough supply for all who wish to get vaccinated to do so.”
Check out the Whitman County Public Health website for vaccine clinic contact information, vaccine availability, and schedules.
When can I get my COVID-19 booster shot?
As of November 19, 2021, the CDC has approved that everyone ages 18 and older can get a COVID-19 booster shot.
Why should I consider getting a COVID-19 booster shot?
Booster shots help increase your body’s immunity to the COVID-19 virus- which helps reduce the severity of the virus, should you become infected. Vaccinated individuals are far less likely to have severe illness and/or be hospitalized for COVID-19 symptoms versus unvaccinated individuals.
If you have any questions about your eligibility to receive a COVID-19 booster, please speak to your primary care provider.
