Coffee Regional Medical Center announces booster shots are now available for those who previously received the COVID-19 vaccination. Guidance released by the FDA confirms that individuals are eligible for a booster as early as 6 months after the date of their second dose. The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be remarkably effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The available data show that protection from the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 decreases over time following the initial doses of vaccination. Following an extensive study, the FDA is recommending a booster shot to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong vaccine effectiveness.
The FDA released the following regarding COVID-19 booster shots:
“The amendments to the emergency use authorizations to include a single booster dose in eligible populations are based on the available data and information and follows the input from the members of our advisory committee who were supportive of the use of a booster dose of these vaccines in eligible populations,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We are also taking action today to include the use of mix and match boosters to address this public health need. We will work to accrue additional data as quickly as possible to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations and plan to update the healthcare community and public with our determination in the coming weeks.”
Reduced protection against mild and moderate cases of the virus has been reported especially among those who are at higher risk and those vaccinated during the early phases of the vaccination rollout.
Booster shots will be available at Coffee Regional Medical Center each Tuesday and Wednesday in our vaccination clinic located inside the hospital cafeteria at 1101 Ocilla Rd in Douglas, GA. Pfizer vaccinations will be available each Tuesday 6:30 am – 11:00 am & 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Moderna shots will be available each Wednesday from 6:30 am – 11:00 am. Please bring your vaccination card to be updated for your personal record.
Please remember the importance of overall wellness as another line of defense against, not only COVID-19 but other viruses and diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating a healthy, low-fat diet and including regular exercise is essential to ensuring the immune system is at its healthiest. A healthy immune system provides great protection from viruses and other illnesses. To ensure you are living your healthiest life, please speak with your family healthcare provider.
Staying ahead of the virus and protecting the American people from COVID-19 with safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccines remains a priority for Coffee Regional Medical Center. Nearly all the cases of severe illness, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those who have never received the vaccine. All of us at CRMC will continue efforts to increase the numbers of our friends and neighbors who are vaccinated and to ensure the availability of accurate information about vaccines from trusted sources. Please live well.
For the full news release from the FDA, which includes guidance on those eligible and individual boosters follow this link: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-takes-additional-actions-use-booster-dose-covid-19-vaccines