(Greenfield) Supplemental third doses, which are commonly referred to as boosters, of COVID-19 vaccine are now available at Adair County Public Health for individuals who have a compromised immune system due to a medical condition or medication.
Boosters will also be available to many more individuals across the county and the nation beginning Sept. 20. Last week, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 boosters.
The nationwide booster initiative, which is pending approval by the FDA and CDC, will first focus on individuals who were vaccinated early in the initial vaccine rollout and received the first dose eight months ago. This group includes health care providers, nursing home residents, adults 65 and older, etc.
According to Jane Ernst, Director of Adair County Public Health, many community members have asked questions about the changes in vaccine recommendations and shared skepticism that it may not be working.
“The COVID-19 virus is constantly adapting, changing and mutating – and we must adapt and change as the virus does in order to continue to fight it,” says Ernst.
“Vaccine continues to be very effective in reducing risk of people becoming severely ill, hospitalized and dying – even against the Delta variant. However, the number of cases is on the rise again in many places across the nation, which often happens as diseases mutate and form into variants.”
“So, although we are seeing a decrease in severe outcomes, we are also seeing an increase in spread, and that is why the recommendations are changing. I want to assure you that vaccine remains our best defense against COVID-19. However, we need to prolong the lifespan of the effectiveness of the vaccine, and that’s what the booster will do.”
Ernst encourages all who have not been vaccinated to do so right away, as nearly all cases of severe disease, hospitalization and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated.
“And when it’s your turn for the booster, get it too. Keep doing what you can to protect yourself and your family,” adds Ernst.
If you have questions about the vaccine or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Public Health:
- 641-743-6173
- Publichealth@adaircountyhealthsystem.org
If you choose to email, please include your name, birthdate, town and phone number.
