COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed and administered across the U.S., and right here in the Capital Region. The vaccine is completely free to all patients.
Information regarding the vaccines is as follows:
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The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only 1 dose; Moderna and Pfizer require 2 doses 4 weeks and 3 weeks apart, respectively.
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The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for age 5 and older; the other two vaccines, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are authorized for age 18 and older.
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CDPHP strongly encourages all eligible members to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and continues urging all members to get a flu shot.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
On March 29, 2022, the CDC updated its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over 50 who received an initial at least four (4) months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster.
Additionally, adults ages 18 and up who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC now recommends booster shots for all individuals ages 12 and up.
For eligible individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the booster shot is recommended at 5 months or more after their initial series.
For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose.
A patient’s clinical team is best able to assess booster eligibility and timing, clinical status of underlying medical conditions, risk of complications, comorbidities, and transmission/exposure/infection risk.
A fourth shot will be covered if any of the criteria above is met.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the CDC have authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age.
While COVID-19 tends to be milder in children compared with adults, it can make children very sick and cause children to be hospitalized. In some situations, the complications from infection can lead to death.
Check with your child’s healthcare provider about whether they offer COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization for antibody treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 and older) who are at high-risk for progressing to severe COVID-19. This includes those who are 65 and older, or those with certain chronic medical conditions. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, talk to your health care provider about whether this is an appropriate course of treatment.