The Los Angeles Post

Los Angeles County Begins Administering Pfizer Booster to Eligible Residents

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Los Angeles County is now administering Pfizer booster third doses after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in several population groups. The CDC also recommended a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings.

Boosters are currently only available to residents who received Pfizer. Residents who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson will need to wait until the FDA reviews the data about boosters and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines.

Eligible Los Angeles County residents for a booster dose of Pfizer include those who received the second of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least 6 months ago and are either:

  • 65 years or older
  • Residents of long-term care facilities
  • 18 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
  • 18 to 64 years with high institutional or occupational risk, including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, and workers in homeless shelters or prisons

“We thank the FDA and the CDC for their thorough and thoughtful review of the data surrounding boosters,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “Starting today, eligible Los Angeles County residents can begin receiving their booster dose at any of the hundreds of sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. The booster dose offers enhanced protection for those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine 6 months ago who are at increased risk of getting COVID-19 and/or experiencing severe illness from COVID.  The LA County vaccination network is prepared to offer boosters today while continuing to prioritize getting first doses to those eligible and not yet vaccinated.”

Residents can make an appointment for their booster by using the MyTurn system or by making an appointment at a pharmacy or clinic that offers Pfizer vaccinations.

Residents will need to bring proof that they have received two previous Pfizer doses, which for most people will be in the form of the white vaccination card, or a photo of the white card, or a digital record of your two doses. At many sites, residents may be asked to sign an attestation form indicating they meet the criteria to receive the booster.

If you need a ride to get your vaccination, you can reach out to the Public Health call center at 1-833-540-0473 and you will be connected to free transportation.

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well -being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about the LA County Department of Public Health and the work they do, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.