Booster dose confusion: where to get the shot

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With news of the COVID booster dose rollout came booster dose confusion for some Missourians.

Several pharmacies throughout Boone County are now offering the third dose for all that qualifies as "at-risk".

According to the CDC those that work in an at-risk occupation or have underlying medical conditions qualify.

- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster;
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster;
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster; and
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (e.g. frontline medical workers, teachers, and first responders) may receive a booster.

Walmart, CVS, HY-VEE, and Walgreens in Columbia offer the shot.

Boone Health, a local Columbia hospital is prioritizing its staff, that qualify as frontline workers, and received their original vaccine first. The hospital asks that people go to a pharmacy for their third dose.

Andrea Jackson, has Multiple Sclerosis, says she'll need to find a pharmacy after getting her first two shots at Boone Hospital.

"My original vaccine I got at I was able to get really early at Boone Hospital, but I don't think I will be able to get my booster there because they are only doing them for employees," Jackson said.

Jackson said because of her fiancee's "at-risk" occupation he was able to get the shot.

"My fiancee got it yesterday because he works and he's a doctor so he is in the hospital working directly with COVID patients," Jackson said.

Ben Fein said he found a third dose without issue because of his age and being high risk.

"I heard that when the Pfizer vaccine when they okayed the boosters for immunocompromised and people over 65 and I'm both of those," Fein said.