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Ventura, CA – The Centers for Disease Control and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup have endorsed the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVD-19 vaccines. The endorsement allows for administering Booster doses of all three FDA-approved vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may receive booster shots of either the vaccine they originally received or a different vaccine.
“With more residents eligible to receive booster shots, our community is one step closer to enhancing our protection from the virus at this stage in the pandemic,” said Dr. Robert Levin, County of Ventura Health Officer. “All three vaccines, including their boosters, are proven to be safe and highly effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID.”
The Workgroup recommended the following groups of people who received the Moderna vaccine should receive a booster dose after at least six months:
- People 65 years of age and older,
- People 18 years of age and older residing in a long-term care facility, or
- People 50 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities.
The Workgroup recommended that all individuals 18 years of age or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine should receive a booster dose two months after their first shot.
In addition, the Workgroup recommended that the following groups who received the Moderna vaccine may also receive a booster dose after six months:
- People 18 through 49 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk of social inequities, or
- People 18 years of age or older who are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.
“While we encourage everyone that is eligible for a booster to visit any of the many vaccination sites in our county, the focus remains on increasing the fully vaccinated rate,” said Ventura County Public Health Director Rigoberto Vargas. “We thank the almost 540,000 Ventura County residents that have taken the important step to protect themselves and those around them, and urge the remaining 140,000 residents that have not taken the important step toward individual and community health to do that right away. The full health and economic recovery from COVID-19, and the control of future surges, depend on more residents getting fully vaccinated.”
Vaccinations are widely available for community members 12 and over. Over 200 sites in Ventura County offer COVID vaccines, including a network of medical offices, community clinics, pharmacies, Public Health clinics, and mobile clinics. Vaccine appointments can be scheduled on MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling (833) 422-5255. Appointments are not required at county clinics. The Public Health clinic schedule is available at www.vcrecovers.org/vaccine. Residents are required to bring proof they have completed their initial vaccination series, which can be in the form of the white vaccination card, a photo of the white card, or a digital record of the previous two doses. At some sites, residents may be asked to sign an attestation form indicating they meet the criteria to receive a booster. Digital vaccine records can be accessed at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging provides no-cost transportation to vaccination sites for those who need support and in-home vaccination for homebound individuals. Services can be requested at 805-477-7300.
Visit www.vcrecovers.org for more information.
