People eligible for the added protection of a second COVID-19 booster shot can now receive it at Houston Health Department vaccination sites.
People over the age of 50 and certain immunocompromised individuals who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago are eligible for another mRNA booster, based on updated FDA authorization and CDC guidance issued this week.
“Data show that protection from COVID-19 vaccination is waning over time for older and immunocompromised people,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “It’s vital for these groups, who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill, to stay up to date with vaccination, and that now means a second booster.”
Houstonians over the age of 50 account for approximately 85% of the city’s COVID-19 deaths, based on recent data from the health department.
“Our city has done a great job lowering the positivity rate and increasing the overall vaccination numbers. Let’s keep up the great work. I plan to get a second booster later this year, and I encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to get a second COVID-19 booster shot,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I also want to thank the Houston Health Department for continuing to provide important vaccinations and testing services throughout the community.”
Compared to adults in Texas with a booster dose, unvaccinated adults in Texas were 11-times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 and 55-times more likely to die of a COVID-19 associated illness, according to recent Texas Department of State Health Services data.
The guidance for a second booster dose is as follows:
- A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
- A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
- A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.
Health department vaccination sites can be found at HoustonHealth.org or by calling 832-393-4220. Vaccination at health department sites is free and does not require insurance or proof of residency.
Vaccines are also readily available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and clinics.