Hi there,
This week’s news at the Health Division is like many other COVID-19 vaccine providers in the county – it’s all about the launch of giving booster doses of Pfizer vaccine for those who are eligible. We gave our first booster doses Wednesday in Southfield and have many more clinics upcoming in other locations.
This newsletter provides you the latest information about booster doses, and you can also check out an update from our Medical Director Dr. Russell Faust here:
I want to stress that the Pfizer vaccine is working. All COVID-19 vaccines are working very well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, experts are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate cases in some populations and higher risk settings. A booster dose can help further protect these people.
It’s also essential for unvaccinated individuals aged 12 and up to start their vaccine series to lower the risks of COVID-19 in our communities. The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services reported this week that from January to July 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations and 96% of deaths.
On the vaccination front, at least 73.5% of those 12 years and older have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more vaccination data.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford
Director, Health and Human Services
Health Division launches offering Pfizer boosters this week
The Health Division began offering Pfizer booster doses to eligible people on Wednesday. So, what do you need to know? CDC has updated information on their website and below we have included some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the information.
Who is eligible to receive a Pfizer booster dose?
Certain individuals who have received Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine can now receive a booster dose at least 6 months or more after getting their second dose. Those who are unsure about whether to get a vaccine or booster or have questions should consult a healthcare provider.
- The following people SHOULD receive a booster of Pfizer vaccine:
- Other groups MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine based on their individual risk and benefit.
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting. CDC lists these occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission:
- First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
- Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
- Food and agriculture workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Corrections workers
- U.S. Postal Service workers
- Public transit workers
- Grocery store workers
Why are booster doses authorized only for certain individuals?
The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions. Because residents in long-term care settings live closely together in group settings and are often older adults with underlying medical conditions, they are at increased risk of infection and severe illness from COVID-19. The risk is highest for adults 65+, those aged 50 years and older who have underlying medical conditions, and people who live in long-term care settings.
Adults aged 18–64 years who work or reside in certain settings (e.g., health care, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters) may also be at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19, which could be spreading where they work or reside.
Are booster doses available now because the Pfizer vaccine is not working?
No. COVID-19 vaccines are working very well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate cases in some populations and higher risk settings.
Is the booster dose a different amount of vaccine or the same?
The Pfizer booster dose is just another dose (same formulation and dosage) of the Pfizer vaccine you previously received.
Are booster doses available if I previously received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
Booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are NOT currently authorized or available. Third doses of Moderna vaccine are available for immunocompromised individuals 28 days after a second dose.
When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if I am NOT in one of the recommended groups?
Additional populations may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data become available. Experts are looking at all available data to understand how well the vaccines are working for different populations. This includes looking at how new variants affect vaccine effectiveness.
What’s the difference between third doses and booster doses?
An additional dose, or “third dose” of COVID vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is when someone’s immune response may not be strong enough to protect them after the first two initial doses. Right now, the only people eligible for a third dose of a COVID vaccine are individuals with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions. This dose can be received 28 days after the second dose.
A booster shot is a dose of the COVID vaccine for people who built enough protection, but experts believe that protection is now decreasing. The booster shot helps vaccinated people maintain protection.
Week at a Glance-Health Division upcoming vaccination sites
These locations will offer COVID-19 vaccinations next week for age 12+. Pfizer booster doses only available for those eligible. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit our Get Vaccinated page for details. You can also call 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.
Holly
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Karl Richter Community Center
- Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2-6 p.m.
Novi
- Novi Fire Station #4
- Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.- noon
- Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pontiac
- Oakland County Service Center Campus
- Tuesday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m.- noon
- Thursday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m.
- Welcome Missionary Baptist Church (walk-in only)
- Every Tuesday, 8 a.m.-noon
- Trinity Missionary Baptist Church (walk-in only)
Rochester
- Rochester Fire Station (downtown)
- Friday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Southfield
- Southfield Pavilion
- Saturday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Walled Lake
- Walled Lake Central High School View Fest 2021 (walk-in only)
- Saturday, Oct. 9, noon-4 p.m.
Waterford
- Waterford Fire Station #1
- Tuesday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m.- noon
OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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