More SLO County residents can now get a COVID-19 booster. Are you eligible?

Tribune - 10/25/2021

Oct. 25—More San Luis Obispo County residents are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot, according to a news release the county Public Health Department.

In addition to the Pfizer booster, eligible residents can now make an appointment for a Moderna or Johnson & Johnson coronavirus booster shot at three public health clinics in the county, the Public Health Department said. The clinics offering boosters are in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Grover Beach.

"It's held true throughout this pandemic that the best vaccine is the one available to you and which you feel comfortable getting, and that is true with boosters, too, " said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health officer, in the news release. "For those seeking guidance on vaccine type based on your personal health situation, I encourage you to talk with your doctor. Since most hospitalized persons who were fully vaccinated are over 65 years old, this group should prioritize getting a booster dose as soon as possible."

More than 72.3% of eligible San Luis Obispo County residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 65.5% are fully vaccinated, according to the news release.

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department widened the availability of the booster shots after the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson versions received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

All people 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster dose two months after the initial vaccination.

People who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine are eligible for a booster dose six months after the initial vaccine series if they are:

— 65 and older

— 18 and older living in long-term care facilities, as defined by the CDC

— 18 and older with underlying medical conditions, , as defined by the CDC

— 18 and older who live or work in high-risk settings, such as first responders, food service workers, educators, as defined by the CDC

— 18 and older are increased risk for social inequalities

Can I mix-and-match my shots?

People eligible for the booster shot may now receive any type of vaccine, according to the news release. This "mix-and-match" booster guidance is based on recommendations from the FDA, CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, according to the news release.

The county Public Health clinics will still continue to schedule appointments based on vaccine type, and people scheduling an appointment in advance may select their vaccine type when making the appointment, according to the news release.

People who walk in can get a booster while supplies last, but they may not select a preferred vaccine type, according to the news release.

Where to get a COVID-19 test and schedule a vaccine appointment

Free coronavirus testing is available at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Paso Robles and Morro Bay. To make an appointment, visit emergencySLO.org/testing or call 888-634-1123 to register by phone.

To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255. The county Public Health Department is also administering vaccines on a walk-in basis at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Grover Beach. Booster shots are available at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Grover Beach.

To find shots at pharmacies near you, visit Vaccines.gov.

For more information, visit RecoverSLO.org/en/when-and-where-can-you-get-vaccinated.aspx.

This story was originally published October 25, 202112:30 PM.

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