All adults in Missouri now able to get COVID-19 booster shots
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missourians 18 years or older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
The state health department amended orders Friday to authorize a single booster dose for adults.
Both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized and endorsed the boosters Friday.
Fully vaccinated adults are eligible for a booster shoot at least six months after getting a two-dose vaccine from Moderna or Pfizer. People can also get a booster two months after getting Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine.
“I would encourage all eligible adults to seek a booster to maintain a high level of protection, especially as we enter colder months when instances of respiratory infections are more readily circulated," DHSS Director Donald Kauerauf said. "With the upcoming holidays, where you will come in contact with your loved ones, getting vaccinated is the way to prevent getting sick and unknowingly exposing others. Thousands of Missourians are also still choosing to receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri each week, so we are continuing to make progress as a state.”
In the hours following the CDC's announcement, Hy-Vee said in a news release that it would offer free boosters at its pharmacy locations. People can find an appointment on Hy-Vee's website. Other local vaccination clinics can be found on the state's website.
On Friday, the state health department reported more than 12,400 new COVID-19 cases in Missouri. The state's seven-day positivity rate also increased to 9 percent.
State health officials also encouraged people to get a flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 booster.
According to data released by the health department Friday, 62 confirmed cases of influenza were reported last week. So far this flu season, there have a total of 331 confirmed cases. Officials said that one flu-related death was also reported last week.
