By Sarah Allen-Sutter and Julie Langston
Source of information: CDC
In the article below, we will discuss what a booster dose is, who is currently eligible, whether you can mix and match vaccines, and where to receive a booster dose in Yolo County.
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WHAT IS A BOOSTER DOSE?
A booster dose is a dose of vaccine that is needed when a person's level of immunity has decreased over time. Booster doses are very common and are a normal part of most vaccine series.
NEW FALL 2023 BOOSTER
As of September 12, 2023, the CDC recommends that everyone six months and older receive the new COVID booster at least two months after your last dose. The updated vaccine protects against the latest variants and will provide an overall immunity boost to prevent severe disease.
Please see the graphic below for the timing of doses for the different categories.
CAN YOU MIX AND MATCH VACCINE TYPES?
CDC recommendations allow for the "mix and match" of booster doses, meaning a single booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna may be administered as following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. J&J is no longer recommended.
WHERE CAN YOU RECEIVE A BOOSTER DOSE IN YOLO COUNTY?
DoorVax, Yolo County Clinics, and Move it Up have ended as of July 1st, 2023. The main ways to receive a COVID vaccine or booster are through your health-care provider or a pharmacy. The vaccine is covered by most health insurance. For those without health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover the vaccine, visit vaccines.gov to find providers that offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program.
A Note on Flu Shots
Many health care providers and pharmacies will allow you to receive your flu shot and COVID booster in the same appointment during flu season. Both of these vaccines are very important for building immunity going into cold and flu season, and they are especially important for older adults to prevent severe illness.
1. Health Care Provider or Clinic
Check with your health care provider for COVID and flu vaccines, or click on your health care provider below to find out about their booster process and availability.
If you are eligible for the vaccine in Yolo County, call (916) 530-0727 to reach the direct vaccine line for the West Sacramento Elica Health Center and sign up for an appointment.
2. Vaccines.Gov
Visit https://www.vaccines.gov to find an schedule a vaccine appointment. This website includes a filter for the Bridge Access Program, listing locations which provide no-cost COVID vaccines to those without health insurance.
3. MyTurn
You should be able to find and schedule an appointment using the state’s MyTurn system. Please click here to find an appointment or call (toll-free) 1-833-422-4255 for assistance.
4. Pharmacies
Several retail pharmacies are providing booster shots. Vaccines.gov should list all the pharmacies near you providing COVID vaccines, or you can click one of the links below to schedule an appointment at one of the pharmacies.
Walgreens (1-800-925-4733)
Rite Aid (1-800-748-3243)
CVS (including in Target) (1-800-746-7287)
Finally, Yolo Healthy Aging Alliance is here to help you! If you are 50+ and need further assistance signing up for a vaccine, you can call Yolo Healthy Aging at 530-776-5006, and we will walk you through the process.