Time running out to get full coronavirus booster protection before Christmas
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Christmas is a little more than two weeks away and health officials are encouraging people to get a coronavirus booster shot so they'll be protected during the holidays.
More people became eligible to get booster shots after the FDA authorized Pfizer/BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine booster for 16- and 17-year-olds Thursday.
Health experts say the boosters take up to two weeks to take full effect, leaving just days to get the shot and be fully protected before Christmas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials continue to push boosters as the best way to get protection from the coronavirus, especially ahead of holiday gatherings.
However, the Columbia and Boone County Health Department says you're in luck if you've had your first and second COVID-19 doses.
"Luckily if someone is looking for a booster they've already gone through that vaccination series so they're still considered fully vaccinated," Sara Humm with Columbia and Boone County Health said.
Yet, time is ticking for those who want an increased immune response against COVID-19 and the delta variant.
"Some people who want to make sure that they are protecting themselves especially if they're high risk due to age or health conditions or they work or live in a setting that would make them high risk... those folks especially should consider getting that booster within the next couple of days," Humm said.
According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, more than 800,000 people have received a booster shot in Missouri. The CDC reports nationwide 48.9 million people have received a booster shot. Most of the shots being given on a daily basis in Missouri are now boosters, as the vaccination rate continues to hover at just over 50%.
Recently there's been a large spike in booster shots in the United States. The White House said 2.2 million shots were administered last Thursday, which includes 1 million booster shots. It was the highest single-day shot total since May.
The shots are available at pharmacies and many doctors' offices. Flows Pharmacy on Broadway is offering booster shots on a no-appointment basis.
Owner Anthony Desha said the pharmacy has a drive-thru shot clinic. He said traffic is picking up now that the holidays are here.
"We saw a big influx right before Thanksgiving and then it dropped off a little bit this week and then I think next week and the week after it'll pick up," Desha said.
You can also get a booster shot at Columbia and Boone County Health Department every Saturday. Humm says next week the department will have appointments available on Thursday and Friday. For a list of available appointments visit the City of Columbia website.
