December 13, 2021 7:37 PM
CDC Expands Booster Eligibility to Include 16- and 17-year-olds
(December 13, 2021) – Last week, the CDC officially expanded COVID-19 Pfizer booster recommendations for everyone 16 and older to help broaden and strengthen the protection against omicron and other COVID variants.
At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.
Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has authorized Pfizer boosters for those 12- to 15-years-old if they attest to being immunocompromised. If a child has a medical health condition that weakens their immune system, then a booster dose can be administered.
According to the CDPHE, Coloradans who have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose are 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID than people who haven’t been vaccinated at all.
Those who are eligible should get their booster dose as soon as possible and prior to holiday gatherings. It takes two weeks for a booster dose to build maximum protection. Coloradans should get a booster dose if they:
- Are 12- to 15-years-old, immunocompromised, and received their second dose of Pfizer at least six months ago.
- Are 16 or older and received their second dose of Pfizer at least six months ago.
- Are 18 and older and received their second dose of Moderna at least six months ago.
- Are 18 and older and received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
San Miguel County Public Health will continue hosting vaccine clinics for first, second, third, and booster doses. The remaining December clinics include:
- Friday, December 17: 3:30 to 4:30 pm, Telluride Intermediate School Gym, Moderna and Pfizer, ages 15 and older
- Tuesday, December 28: 2:00 to 2:00 pm, San Miguel County Public Health Department, 3rd Floor of the Miramonte Building, Pediatric Pfizer, ages 5-11 years only
The state has enough vaccine supply for providers to manage increased demand and provide eligible Coloradans with a booster dose immediately. For local vaccine and booster dose appointments, visit the Public Health COVID website at bit.ly/smcvaccine. For additional appointment opportunities nearby, visit vaccinefinder.org.