Pfizer and Moderna vaccine boosters are now available to any Florida adult after 2 or 6 months, depending on which brand they chose for their initial shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky approved the change on Friday following a unanimous vote from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration.
“Booster shots have demonstrated the ability to safely increase people’s protection against infection and severe outcomes and are an important public health tool to strengthen our defenses against the virus as we enter the winter holidays,” Walensky said in a news release.
Prior to Friday, the boosters were available only for people 65 and older, adults with underlying medical conditions, adults who live in long-term care settings, and those who live or work in high-risk settings. Over 250 million people in the U.S., about 78% of the population, are 18 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
As of Friday, the CDC said Americans over age 50, as well as those 18 and older living in long-term care facilities, “should” get booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines starting six months after their primary series.
Anyone over 18 who got J&J also “should” get a single shot of J&J, Moderna or Pfizer, starting two months after their first shot, because the J&J vaccine has lower effectiveness after just one shot, the CDC’s website states.
All other adults over age 18 who got the mRNA vaccines in their initial series “may” get booster doses after six months, the site says. At this time, the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, the CDC says on its website. Some scientists have pointed to evidence that the boosters are not needed for people under 65 who have gotten Pfizer or Moderna.
“Overall protection remains high for severe disease and hospitalization,” Dr. Sara Oliver, an epidemiologist at the CDC, told the scientific advisers meeting on Friday, according to the New York Times.
But if you’ve checked with your doctor and have decided that a booster is the best bet for you, we’ve got you covered.
Below is a list of sites in Central Florida where you can get boosted. All of the below sites offer first and second shots, too.
Don’t forget to bring your ID and vaccination card if you’re getting a booster!
Boosters for people who can’t leave the house
People residing in Seminole County who are unable to leave their home but need a booster can call 407-665-5102, the Citizen’s Information Line, for assistance.
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers at-home appointments for World War II and Korean War veterans at https://www.floridavets.org/homeboundveterans/.
Orange County allows applications for homebound vaccine requests as well, through a link available on its website. For more information, call 407-836-3111, or visit ocfl.net/311.
Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
In addition to shots for homebound veterans, the Orlando VA offers vaccines, including boosters, to veterans and their families or caregivers, according to CDC guidance. Information can be found at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
Call 407-631-0499 for more information about Orlando VA vaccination sites or to make an appointment for a booster or regular shot.
Barnett Park
Orange County Government’s Health Services Department offers boosters, as well as initial doses, at Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. The site is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is available at https://www.patientportalfl.com/s/?language=en_US.
Mobile COVID-19 vaccinations
Orange County Government’s mobile vaccination trailer travels around the community to provide shots, including boosters. The most recently updated times and locations of the trailer are available at https://ocfl.net/EmergencySafety/Coronavirus/IGotMyShot.aspx#vaccination-events.
Walgreens
You can schedule an appointment at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, by calling 1-800-Walgreens, or through the Walgreens app.
Of note, Walgreens’ website said on Monday it will not allow people who got Moderna or Pfizer to get a booster shot that is a different brand than their initial series, despite the CDC’s authorization. Walgreens did not say why it is breaking from the CDC guidance.
CVS
In line with CDC recommendations, the CVS website offers booster appointments to those 18 and up at cvs.com/vaccine or through the CVS Pharmacy app.
Publix
Walk-in to inquire or make an appointment at publix.com/covid-vaccine. Appointments cannot be made by calling stores or pharmacies.
Costco
Costco allows walk-ins but you can make an appointment at costco.com/covid-vaccine.html.
Rite Aid
Rite Aid’s website asks for appointments to be made at riteaid.com.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s club offers appointments at samsclub.com/pharmacy.
Walmart
Walmart offers vaccine appointments at Walmart.com/covid.
Winn-Dixie
Winn-Dixie offers appointments at winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine.
ccatherman@orlandosentinel.com
