Booster shots now available for everyone in Massachusetts age 18 and older

All Massachusetts residents age 18 and older can now get a coronavirus booster shot, the Baker administration announced Thursday, jumping ahead of federal health authorities who have not yet given the green light for widespread booster use.

The Bay State joins several others in opening up booster shots including New York, California, New Mexico, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Prior to Thursday’s announcement, those eligible for an mRNA booster included people 65 and older, those with certain medical conditions and people facing workplace exposure.

Now, all people 18 and older can get an mRNA booster at least six months after their second shot and a Johnson & Johnson booster at least two months after their first shot.

Massachusetts residents can receive booster doses from more than 1,000 locations across the state with appointments available now for booking.

State health officials say residents don’t need to provide identification, health insurance documents or their vaccine card to receive a booster.

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration with more than 83% of residents have received at least one dose and more than 70% of residents fully vaccinated, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. State officials say more than 800,000 residents have received a COVID booster.

CDC recommendations allow for mixing and matching of different vaccines and residents can choose which shot they prefer for their booster. Mixing an mRNA booster with a J&J primary shot showed the best results in clinical trials, according to recent studies.

As of Thursday night, the Food and Drug Administration had not authorized booster shots for widespread use and a CDC advisory committee is set to meet and discuss the topic on Friday, which is when clearance will likely happen.

Pfizer asked U.S. regulators last week to allow boosters of its COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 18 or older. Nearly 31 million Americans have already received a dose beyond their original vaccination.

Pfizer has submitted early results of a booster study in 10,000 people to make its case that it’s time to further expand the booster campaign. The study found that a booster could restore protection against symptomatic infection to about 95%.

Studies from Israel and several other countries who began a booster campaign before the United States have shown immunity wanes the most in the elderly and those who are immunocompromised, and a booster shot increases protection significantly.

Herald wire services contributed to this report.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3HAWlTf