Storm Lake Times Pilot

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available

BV Public Health has Moderna, J&J in stock
Pfizer also offered at pharmacies


Area public health authorities have stocked thousands of COVID-19 shots in anticipation of federal authorities approving the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as boosters.

Public Health Administrator Julie Sather told The Storm Lake Times the agency’s supplies of both vaccine brands are sufficient for those who are eligible for a booster shot. She said on Thursday morning the agency has 3,800 shots available for the first wave of population that received their shots six months ago. 

“We didn’t order any additional specifically for boosters, we had enough supply on hand,” she said. 

She encouraged those who think they’re eligible to consult Buena Vista County Public Health, retailers or their healthcare provider for booster eligibility. Moderna and Pfizer recipients can receive a booster shot after six months from their second shot; Johnson & Johnson recipients can receive boosters in less than two months after their single dose.

On Thursday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended J&J and Moderna brands as booster shots and added that the inoculated can utilize different brands for a booster. Experts say all three vaccine brands continue to provide strong protection against severe illness or death from COVID-19, but boosters could increase protection at a time when many have gone six months or more since their initial shots. 

The CDC’s order on Thursday applies to those who are either older than 65, live in a long-term care facility, work in high-risk jobs or have underlying health conditions. 

Sather has said those distinctions shouldn’t stop anyone from getting vaccinated. Her office operates on the honor system; in other words, those who feel like getting vaccinated receive a shot. The stance squares with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, which has endorsed a “self-attest” for booster shots. 

Boosters have already been available to residents in Buena Vista County for the last month because the CDC already authorized the Pfizer vaccine for that use. But the Pfizer brand has been difficult to find in non-urban areas and most Moderna recipients in the county received their final shots less than six months ago.  

An estimate of county residents who are eligible for booster shots isn’t available. The CDC estimated 141,000 Iowans have received a booster dose, or 8% of those who were previously vaccinated. 

Pocahontas County Public Health Administrator Anne Thompson told The Times her agency has ordered 1,040 doses in anticipation of booster demand. Pocahontas is expected to hold a booster clinic on Friday at the Pocahontas Expo Center for the first 300 residents who sign up for appointments. 

The agency was still scheduling appointments as of Monday afternoon.

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