The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says a second booster should be given at least four months after the first one for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.
“Individuals who have cancer and are getting chemotherapy or people who had an organ transplant and are on immunosuppressants medicines or people who take chronic hydro steroids or other conditions that make their immune system not work properly,” said Kanter.
And while Kanter admits there presently is a lull in COVID cases in Louisiana, nationally cases have increased about 1.2-percent in the last week, and they are watching the new subvariant Omicron BA.2.
“None of this has yet to cause our cases to go up, but they certainly could in the future and there’s no guarantee against that and we want people, particularly the most vulnerable to have as much protection as possible if that does happen,” said Kanter.
Kanter says they are also paying attention to cases overseas that are on the uptick. Typically, what’s happening abroad is then reflected here in the U.S. about three to four weeks later.
Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to do so sooner than later and stay ahead of surges. You can visit any existing vaccine provider for the second booster.
“Any of the existing vaccine provider locations that people have gone to in the past are eligible to get this booster,” said Kanter.
For more information call 1-855-453-0774.
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