January 6, 2022
WA State Department of Health News Release 1-6-2022
OLYMPIA – Youth ages 12 to 17 should receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least 5 months after completing their primary vaccination series. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has expanded booster dose eligibility to include everyone 12 and older following guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
“We know booster doses increase an individual’s protection against COVID-19, which is especially important as the highly contagious omicron variant spreads across our state,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “Many Washington residents as young as 12 are now at that five month mark and will benefit from a booster. We highly encourage everyone who is eligible not to delay and get your booster shot today.”
Everyone 12 and older should get a booster dose at least:
- Five months after completing the Pfizer primary vaccination series,
- Six months after completing the Moderna primary vaccination series, or
- Two months after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Additional doses now recommended for certain immunocompromised children
This week the CDC expanded recommendations for additional doses for certain immunocompromised children ages 5 through 11, which are consistent with prior recommendations for adults. Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and older should receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna (if age 18 or older) 28 days after receiving their second shot. A full list of conditions is available on the CDC’s website.
“Children and adults who are immunocompromised are at increased risk for severe infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer. “Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to protect our communities from the worst outcomes of this disease. Staying current with vaccination recommendations is essential to protecting our most vulnerable.”
For the full news release and additional information visit the WA State Dept. of Health newsroom here.
To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose contact us at 509-935-6004 for an appointment at a NEW Health location near you.
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