Updated Information about COVID Booster Eligibility

October 28, 2021

The CDC recently updated its guidance on COVID booster shot eligibility. We wanted to make sure all interested employees are aware of this and understand their options. If you want to learn more, please visit the CDC’s website.

If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine:

The following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

“High risk” settings include IYR’s Programs. This means all programs staff and non-programs staff who directly interact with programs staff or work environments are eligible for the booster.

The definition of “high risk” settings is expected to expand over time. If you are interested in receiving the booster but don’t meet the high-risk criteria (or aren’t sure if you meet them) please speak with your healthcare provider or a vaccine provider to fully explore your options.

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

Booster shots are recommended for anyone who is 18 and older and who was vaccinated two or more months ago.

Which booster should you get:

Per CDC guidance, “eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.” If you have questions, please discuss this with your healthcare provider or vaccine provider.

Vaccinations are safe and effective at preventing hospitalization and death:

Per the CDC, “available data right now shows that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.”

Keep your booster records.

If you get a booster shot please keep a copy of your complete vaccine record, including the booster. Although we are not asking people to send their booster records to HR at this time, we may need that in the future and want people to be prepared.

If you have other questions, please contact HR by emailing HR@youthranch.org.