The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are six months of age and older, to get the newest COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer ahead of the winter respiratory virus season. LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this booster offers protection for all individuals, especially those who are more vulnerable.
“Seventy percent of Americans have at least one underlying condition and that percentage is certainly higher in Louisiana. That’s really what led to the CDC’s broad recommendation that everyone stands to benefit from the updated vaccine.”
Nearly three million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The updated vaccine that targets the XBB 1.5 variant will be available in the coming days. Kanter says the new FDA and CDC guidance has simplified the regimen for winter vaccines.
“And the recommendation right now is to get both an annual flu vaccine and an updated COVID vaccine. It’s completely safe to get both of those shots at the same time.”
Kanter says many insured Louisianans will receive the vaccine at no cost. But for those who do not have adequate insurance…
“There’s a program called the Federal Bridge Program that will cover the full cost of the vaccine. For Medicaid recipients, which are about 40 percent of the state they’re going to have the full cost covered as well.”
To find a location that offers free vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov.
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