Expanded Eligibility For COVID-19 Boosters, MOCO Providing Shots

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The pool of people eligible for a booster shot in Montgomery County just increased, following the CDC's update on who is authorized to get a booster last week. In Montgomery County, the following residents are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster shot:

Eligibility for those who received two doses of the Moderna vaccine:

• Anyone 65 years and older, or
• Adults 18 and older who are at high risk of severe illness because of an underlying condition, or
• Adults 18 and older who are at risk of illness because of their job, or
• Adults 18 and older who live in an institutional setting, and
• Received their second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago.

Eligibility for those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

• Anyone 18 years and older, and
• Received their Johnson & Johnson dose at least two months ago.

Guidance was issued last month for people who originally got the Pfizer shot.

“We know that the information can be confusing to residents, because there are multiple steps to the approval process for the vaccines, as well as differing eligibility criteria depending on which vaccine is recommended,” said acting health officer Dr. James Bridgers in a statement, “and that is why we ask everyone to review the information carefully and ask their doctor or health provider if they have questions about their specific medical situation.”

Booster shots are available at at pharmacies, private providers, or at County and other health care-sponsored clinics. The county said residents should check with the vaccine provider in advance to make sure they have availability, and to check Maryland’s vaccine locator for more providers.

There is a COVID-19 call center that can be reached 240-777-2982 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who is having trouble making an appointment through a county-run center.

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