Why do I need a booster?
Booster doses provide extra protection from COVID-19. Vaccine effectiveness may decrease over time, and a booster dose can help raise immunity levels. This is not surprising. Many routine childhood vaccines require multiple doses at specific intervals to be most effective.
Who is eligible?
The CDC and the Colorado Department of Public Health recommend that everyone ages 18 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster to protect yourself, your family and your community. You are eligible if you:
Received a Moderna second dose at least six months ago.
Received a Pfizer second dose at least six months ago.
Received a Johnson and Johnson initial dose at least two months ago.
Which booster shot should I get?
While many people prefer to get the same vaccine they got the first time, the FDA and CDC say it’s okay to receive any of the three authorized vaccines as their booster based on preference or availability.
So if you got Moderna initially but you can’t find a Moderna booster now, it’s fine to get a Pfizer booster shot. The important thing is to get the booster.
What if I have a compromised immune system?
People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Even if you got two doses, you may not have the same level of immunity compared to people who are not immunocompromised.
The CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive a third dose of vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Learn more about who is eligible for a third dose here.
Where can I get a booster dose?
San Miguel County is providing first, second, third and booster dose vaccines for those who are eligible. Vaccines are free and available for anyone 5 years of age or over.
To schedule your booster shot, visit the San Miguel County Covid-19 Vaccination page.
FROM SAN MIGUEL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH:
Who Is Eligible for Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines? Pfizer and Moderna authorized for immunocompromised individuals, Pfizer also authorized for 65 and older.
Trying to reach the Telluride Regional Medical Center by phone?
During times of high call volume, the best way to communicate with primary care providers, or to request an appointment, is to use the Patient Portal. Staff will follow up with requests by phone call to schedule those appointments and providers can respond directly during administrative breaks throughout the day.
