KING COUNTY, Wash. — The doors are opening for more people to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot.
King County on Friday said Pfizer booster shots will be available at public health vaccination sites beginning Saturday, and CVS announced the shots are available now.
A Western States workgroup adopted the CDC booster guidance on Friday, which focuses on the most vulnerable.
Washington’s Health Secretary, Dr. Umair Shah, said the Department of Health will give guidance to providers early next week about who’s eligible.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Bellingham woman no longer considered missing after she reportedly disappeared in Las Vegas
- Bittersweet goodbye: Alabama vet has jar of kisses for dogs being put down
- Police say Pasco suspect twerked atop patrol car after pulling victim’s wig off through sunroof
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
Officials said people over 65 or in long-term care facilities who were vaccinated with Pfizer should get a booster after at least six months, as should people 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions.
Those who “may” get a booster include people 18 to 24 who are at increased risk because of an “occupational or institutional setting.”
People will essentially define that for themselves.
There won’t be phases like last spring’s vaccine rollout, because this time, there’s plenty of supply.
“I don’t want us to be out there trying to restrict people, so we’re going to take self-attestation, and people doing the right thing,” said Dr. Shah.
Pfizer boosters are only for people who already got earlier Pfizer shots.
Dr. Larry Corey at Fred Hutch said people should not try to get a shot any earlier than six months after the last round.
“The longer you rest, the more when you get a boost, you’ll get a response. Six months, eight months, this is all fine.”
It will be up to those giving the shots, like pharmacies, to check vaccination cards to make sure people waited six months and previously got the Pfizer shot.
The head of regional pharmacy operations for Safeway, Albertson’s and Haggen, David Green, said people should plan to get their flu shot at the same time as their booster.
©2021 Cox Media Group
