McHenry County Government: McHenry County Health Officials Encourage Eligible Residents To Get COVID-19 Booster Shot

Press release from the McHenry County Government:

10/27/2021 2:12 PM

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is encouraging all eligible residents who received their COVID-19 vaccine to get their booster dose to help strengthen protection against severe disease or complications from severe disease. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for the following Pfizer and Moderna vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago:

• 65 years and older
• 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• 18+ who work in high-risk settings
• 18+ who live in high-risk settings 

Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose 2 months after their initial dose.

Additionally, the CDC now allows for mix and matching products for booster shots. Mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccine is only considered for booster doses. Those who are unvaccinated and are seeking the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine must use the same product during the initial two-dose series.

When considering a booster dose, the vaccine used to complete the primary vaccination series should be used. If it is not available or another product is preferred, mixing and matching of an available COVID-19 vaccine booster is acceptable. An individual benefit-risk assessment or a discussion with a primary care provider is encouraged to help booster recipients make informed decisions about which booster shot is best for them.

Vaccines.gov allows individuals to search for COVID-19 vaccine by location, vaccine brand/manufacturer and appointment availability. Vaccine.gov also has information about where to receive flu vaccine near you.

Another way to find COVID-19 vaccine near you is to text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.  You may also talk to your healthcare provider about how to get the COVID-19 booster.

To get a booster shot at an MCDH clinic, you must bring the following information:

• Photo identification
• CDC Vaccination Record with the previous vaccination documented. If no card is presented, a new card may be issued (fee applies) if vaccine doses can be verified in the State of Illinois Vaccine Registry (I-CARE) or the Vax Verify record

Fact sheets about available COVID-19 vaccine and other credible information are available at https://bit.ly/MCDHVaccineFacts. Those interested in receiving their vaccine at an MCDH clinic can reserve their appointment in advance at https://bit.ly/MCDHCOVIDVaxLoc or by calling the MCDH COVID-19 Call Center at (815) 334-4045.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.