5 things to know about covid-19 vaccine booster shots

Some people who are at risk for severe complications from covid-19 are now eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

First of all, the booster — a third dose of the mRNA covid-19 vaccine — is identical to the original doses.

Here’s what people should know if they want a booster shot:

Who is eligible?

Americans age 65 and older and adults age 50-64 with certain medical conditions that could make them more at risk of severe illness — including cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases, dementia, diabetes and heart conditions — qualify for a booster dose.

Individuals living in nursing homes or institutional settings like jails and homeless shelters are also eligible, along with health care workers whose job makes them more likely to come in contact with the virus.

A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is also available for certain immunocompromised individuals — like those who are receiving active cancer treatments, organ transplant recipients, people with advanced HIV and patients with immunodeficiencies like DiGeorge syndrome and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome — though those people make up less than 3% of the population. People who fall into this category may receive a third dose 28 days after their second dose.

Does this only apply to people who got a Pfizer vaccine?

So far, only Pfizer has gained approval for a booster dose.

Individuals who first got a Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine cannot currently get a Pfizer vaccine as a booster dose in the United States.

How can I get a booster?

Eligible patients can receive the vaccine through several providers.

To receive a booster from Allegheny Health Network, individuals who qualify can call their primary care physician or 412-DOCTORS or visit the network’s online scheduling tool. Boosters will primarily be administered at primary care offices and hospital-based vaccine clinics.

UPMC is currently offering third doses to immunocompromised people, who can schedule an appointment online or by calling 844-876-2822. They will begin offering boosters to other eligible populations later this week.

Appointments are again required for covid-19 vaccinations — including booster vaccines — at Giant Eagle. Booster appointments can be scheduled online.

Eligible individuals can schedule appointments for booster shots online through CVS and through Excela Health. The Westmoreland County health system announced Tuesday that it is offering first, second and third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as well as Pfizer boosters for eligible patients.

“It’s important that our community residents receive the vaccine regimen that is appropriate for their present health needs,” said Dr. Carol Fox, Excela Health Chief Medical Officer.

When should eligible individuals get boosters?

The extra dose should be given at least six months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

For some people, that may correspond with the time when many get annual flu shots. Experts say people can get both vaccines at the same time.

Should I bring my CDC vaccination card?

People should take their CDC-issued covid-19 vaccination card so health care providers can document information regarding the third dose.