Information on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster for Select Groups
Published on September 24, 2021
The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) today provided additional information on who is eligible for booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and where to get those additional doses in Wyandotte County.
This announcement follows information released late Wednesday announcing that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for certain groups of people. The complete statement from the FDA can be found here. It also follows the recommendation of CDC Director Dr. Walensky and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
“We have been anticipating this announcement from the FDA, CDC, and KDHE for several days, so we are ready to begin offering these booster shots to anyone who qualifies, as of today,” said Juliann Van Liew, Director of the UGPHD. “The Pfizer booster shots will be available at our vaccination facility at the former Kmart site, plus at a variety of other places throughout Wyandotte County. We urge anyone who is eligible to get their booster shot, both for their own health and wellbeing and to better help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wyandotte County.”
On Wednesday, the FDA amended the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, making it possible for select members of the public to receive a single booster dose. This booster dose must be administered at least six months after completion of the primary vaccination series and is available only to people who have been previously vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and who fall within the recommended groups. The recommendation does not allow for providing a booster dose of Pfizer for anyone who has been previously vaccinated with Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on Thursday to discuss and vote on its recommendations concerning booster shots and who should get them. According to the CDC, the organization’s updated interim guidance “allows for millions of Americans who are at highest risk for COvID-19 to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COvID-19 booster shot to help increase their protection.”
The CDC recommends the following:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks; and
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Underlying medical conditions can include (but aren’t limited to) conditions such as cancer, chronic lung or kidney disease, dementia, diabetes, Down syndrome, heart conditions, HIV infection, liver disease, obesity, pregnancy and others. View the complete list of what the CDC defines as “underlying medical conditions” here.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), these “occupational or institutional” settings include healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store workers, retail workers, first responders, residents and staff of congregant settings (such as corrections facilities, homeless shelters, group homes, etc.) and many others.
Where to Get a Booster Shot in Wyandotte County
People who live in Wyandotte County and fall into one of the categories outlined in the CDC recommendations can now come to the UGPHD’s vaccination facility to get their booster shot for free. No insurance is required. Van Liew outlined what eligible people need to know before arriving to receive their booster dose:
- The UGPHD encourages patients to bring their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to help expedite the process.
- Patients will be asked to sign a form attesting that they qualify for this booster dose because they fall into one of the categories of the public outlined in the updated CDC guidance, as listed above.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the former Kmart building at 7836 State Avenue in Kansas City, KS, Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Van Liew also pointed out that these booster doses are available at a wide variety of other locations throughout Wyandotte County, including many pharmacies, medical practitioners and other healthcare providers. To learn more about where booster doses are available near them, people should visit vaccines.gov.
Free Vaccinations and Incentives Still Available!
In addition to these booster doses, the UGPHD continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccines for people who live in Wyandotte County age 12 and older, at the former Kmart site at 7836 State Avenue. Hours for COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are as follows (NOTE: All of these services are free of charge!):
- COVID Testing: Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm
- COVID Vaccines: Wednesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm
Incentives for those who get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Kmart facility are still available, through September 30th. Get more information on available vaccine incentives at WycoVaccines.org.
For more information on where to get vaccinated in Wyandotte County, visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1. To learn more about upcoming UGPHD mobile vaccination events visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/UGHealthDept
Media Inquiries: Sally Behringer
Cell: (785) 218-9759
sally.behringer@modop.com
Community Information and Questions:
Vaccine information: Go to WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1 (913-573-5311)
Other COVID-19 updates: Go to wycokck.org/COVID-19