×

New COVID-19 booster shots coming to ND

BISMARCK – Booster doses for previous recipients of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines may become available to North Dakotans later next week, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently endorsed the recommendation from its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to expand eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to those who previously received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine were already eligible for a booster dose. The decision also allows people to mix-and-match vaccine brands for their booster dose.

To date, 36,588 North Dakotans have received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the health department reported.

For individuals who initially received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

— 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.

For the nearly 27,475 North Dakotans who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Booster doses for those who previously received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine will become available once health care providers have educated staff and updated protocols based on this recommendation. The health department has planned with long-term care facilities to ensure they have access to these booster doses in the coming weeks. People may be vaccinated against influenza at the same time as receiving a COVID-19 booster.

Next week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s advisory committee will be discussing the authorization of Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine for children ages 5-11. The health department has already placed an order for 10,200 doses of this vaccine, and vaccines could be available as soon as November 4, pending FDA authorization and CDC recommendations.

Information on COVID-19 vaccine providers and clinics can be found at health.nd.gov on the COVID Vaccine Locator page or by calling the public health hotline at 866-207-2880.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today