COLUMBUS – Following the federal government’s approval of COVID-19 vaccine boosters Friday, the shots are now available for Ohioans ages 18 and older.
Those who originally received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a single booster dose two months following their original dose and those who received Moderna or Pfizer shots will be eligible six months after receiving their second dose.
“Following action by the CDC director, vaccine providers in Ohio can begin administering COVID-19 vaccine boosters to any fully vaccinated Ohioan 18 or older,” Ohio Department of Health director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said.
Fully vaccinated adults can choose any of the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines for their booster dose.
“The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be incredibly effective. However, there is a natural tendency for immunity to wane over time, whether natural immunity or immunity from a vaccine, and many immunizations require at least one booster dose. When Ohio adults choose to get booster doses, it will keep their immunity from COVID-19 at peak performance.” -Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director, Ohio Dept. of Health
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed the use of boosters Friday, after advisers voted to recommend them.
More than 6.6 million Ohioans have been fully vaccinated but Vanderhoff says there is ample supply in Ohio for first and second doses, as well as boosters.