WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A lot of people are looking to get COVID-19 booster shots in the state after the CDC expanded eligibility Thursday.
“I was waiting for today anxiously,” said Julie Clements-Reagan of Waterford.
She got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in March and like many others, got her booster shot Friday.
“Got a new grandbaby in the family,” Clements-Reagan said. “I want to be healthy and be around the baby and my family as well.”
The CDC recommends those who are 65 years or older or are 18 or older and either live in long-term care settings, have an underlying medical condition, or live or work in a high-risk setting get their booster shot if they had their Pfizer or Moderna vaccines six or more months ago.
They also recommend those 18 or older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two or more months ago get a booster shot.
Another interesting component is that no matter what type of vaccine you originally got, you can mix and match the booster shot.
“They do mount a sufficient immune response, so that’s sort of the most important thing in terms of being protected against infection,” said Dr. Jaimie Meyer with the Yale School of Medicine.
Those looking to get a booster shot may need to call ahead or go online and make an appointment because each location could have a different booster depending on availability.
“You need to tell whoever is administering your vaccine that you’re coming in for a booster, especially if you’re getting a Moderna booster because it is 1/2 dose,” Meyer said. “So just be aware.”
Pharmacies and healthcare groups across the state say they have now begun giving the COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
