COVID shot to be seasonal? For now boosters available
While COIVD-19 may eventually be reclassified to a less severe virus, local health officials say that shift in focus will need to occur at a nationwide level.
“I feel that the reclassification of the virus will
need to occur on the federal level first, and then the states would follow,”
Oliver Fisher, Auglaize County’s health commissioner said. “Regarding what characteristics they would need to meet in
order to make that change,
I am not sure. I do think we are close to seeing
a change within the next six months provided, we do not experience another surge similar to the Delta wave.”
If COVID-19 does change to the same classification as influenza, treatments and vaccinations could become seasonal.
“I could see that once the virus becomes endemic that a seasonal vaccine would be available to the public similar to the seasonal influenza vaccine,” Fisher said.
Those who have received their COVID-19 vaccinations now have the opportunity to further protect themselves with a booster shot.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, at this time booster doses are authorized for fully vaccinated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
recipients who are at high-risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease, and can be given at least six months after completion of the primary series.
Those who received an initial series of either Pfizer or Moderna and are currently eligible
include those who meet any of the following criteria:
• 65 years and older.
• Age 18 and older who live in long-term care settings.
• Age 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions.
• Age 18 and older who work or live in high-risk settings.
Qualifying conditions that increase risk for COVID-19 include cancer; chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease; neurological
conditions, such as dementia; diabetes (type 1 or 2); Down
syndrome; heart conditions; HIV infection; weakened immunity; mental
health conditions; overweight or obesity; pregnancy; sickle cell disease or thalassemia; smoking (current or former); solid
organ or blood stem cell transplant; stroke
or cerebrovascular disease, substance use disorders; and tuberculosis.
Certain people, based on their occupation, may be at increased risk of being
exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 while at work. Examples of those that may be eligible for a booster may include, first responders, education staff, food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers and other shipping/delivery workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.
CDC officials advise that you can mix
and match the brand of booster shots.
Ohioans are encouraged to bring their existing COVID-19 vaccine card to
be updated. If you cannot find your vaccine card, you should first contact your
original vaccine provider to see if they can locate your records. If they are unable to assist, please contact your local
health department. If they are unable to assist, please review this information on
how to mail a request for your vaccination records to the Ohio
Department of Health. You will not be able to obtain a
new vaccine card by request, but will be
able to access your vaccination records.
If you do not have your card, you can
still get your booster dose.