Following authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for certain eligible people, the Erie County Department of Health is experiencing strong demand for booster doses at its clinics.
 
“We have added the option to schedule an appointment for a booster dose online,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Walk-ins will still be accepted, but registration will speed up the process. Links to available dates and times are available through our COVID-19 web site at www.erie.gov/vax or call (716) 858-2929. The types of vaccines offered at each clinic are also listed on our web site.”
 
COVID-19 vaccine booster doses are intended to help individuals age 18 years and older “boost,” or enhance, their protection against COVID-19, as the protection offered by the initial vaccination series may have decreased over time.
 
INDIVIDUALS WHO SHOULD RECEIVE A BOOSTER DOSE
·         Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
New Yorkers 18 years and older who received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago.
·         Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna
New Yorkers 65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 primary series.
New Yorkers aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series.
 
INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY RECEIVE A BOOSTER DOSE
·         New Yorkers aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series. Consult your regular health care provider.
·         New Yorkers 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 the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series.
 
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for the booster dose.
 
Individuals with specific questions about COVID-19 vaccine boosters should talk to their physician.