COVID-19 booster dose recommended for adults
The Maui News
The state Department of Health is adopting federal guidelines recommending single COVID-19 booster doses for adults who completed their primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations at least six months ago.
Under the guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boosters continue to be recommended for those who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine more than two months ago, according to a Department of Health news release.
“This guidance is clear–all fully vaccinated adults should get a booster when it is available to them,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “While the omicron variant has not yet been detected in Hawaii, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated, wear a mask, avoid large gatherings and get tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick.”
According to the CDC, strong immunity, such as that provided by a booster, will likely prevent severe illness. Those who received a booster should continue practicing other mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings and staying home from work and getting tested for COVID-19 if they feel sick, the news release said.
Information on where vaccines are available is at https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.