Booster schmooster, who needs the COVID shot booster?  The "experts" have the criteria and we'll pass that along,  First, in order to get a booster shot, you had to have gotten the COVID vaccine and in this case, we are talking about the Pfizer vaccine.  (not pronounced Puff-vizer...or any of the other really bad names I have heard from some unvaccinated people)

A couple of weeks ago (Friday, September 24th), the Washington State Department of Health announced it would begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses to certain groups including some people in Yakima.

SO Who Is Ripe For A Booster?

Here we go with the WHO...Who in the population, who in Yakima are we talking about, and what IS the criteria for this group?

  • Individuals in these groups can receive a booster dose after at least six months have passed since completing their primary Pfizer vaccine series
  • People 65 of age and older,
  • People 18 years of age and older living in a long-term care setting,
  • People 50-64 years of age with underlying medical conditions or those at increased risk of social inequities,
  • People who are 18-49 years of age with underlying medical conditions,
  • People 18-64 years of age who are at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to their occupational or institutional setting.

Boosters Are Happening NOW

The process is underway with the Yakima Health District saying their mobile vaccine teams have begun administering Pfizer booster doses. If you're looking for a list of locations you can find them at YakimaVaccines.org.

But wait, what if your first vaccine was from Moderna or Johnson and Johnson?  Can you still get this booster?  The Health District says at this time, the booster recommendation is only for those individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine. No recommendations have been made for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Sing The Song Of Science

Nathan Johnson, Emergency Response Coordinator, Yakima Health District says. "We are happy to be able to offer booster doses to people in our community. These booster doses will provide further protection to certain groups that are high risk. We encourage the community to continue taking advantage of all the vaccine opportunities. Our mobile vaccine teams will now be able to administer first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine, as well as booster doses.” 

Well, there you have it. It is now up to you.  If you fall into one of the age-group/vulnerability categories a booster shot of Pfizer is available.  At this time booster shots are not being mandated so again, it's up to you.  Isn't that the way it should be?

More From 94.5 KATS