COVID-19 Booster Shots

Posted

On Sept. 24, 2021, DHEC supported CDC’s recommendation for Pfizer brand COVID-19 booster shots for high-risk populations.

Pfizer Brand COVID-19 Booster Shots for High-Risk Populations

At this time, only Pfizer brand COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for people in certain high-risk populations. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free.

If you are a high-risk person in one of the groups below, you can get a booster shot 6 months after you received your second Pfizer shot.

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,

people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,

people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and

people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The FDA and CDC are evaluating the need for booster doses for those who received the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the single-shot Janssen. DHEC will provide details on those boosters once more information becomes available.

Third Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals

A third dose of mRNA vaccine is authorized for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals, which are people with weakened immune systems.

Finding a Vaccine Location: What to Expect

The process will depend on the location you choose. See if the location you choose requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins.

The vaccine is free, and you don’t need an ID or health insurance to get it.

Parental consent is required for those age 12-15.