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Starting Oct. 13, the Beaufort County Health Department will offer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots every Wednesday from 12:15-4 p.m. Appointments are required, and can be scheduled by visiting www.bchd.net or by calling 252-940-6150.

·      The health department is following these CDC recommendations for booster shots:

·      People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of  Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after they have completed their full series of Pfizer shots.

·      People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of  fizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after they have completed their full series of Pfizer shots.

·      People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their full  series of Pfizer shots, and

·      People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because  of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at  least six months after their full series of Pfizer shots.

Pfizer’s vaccine is the only one that has been approved for a booster shot. The health department noted that doctor’s offices and pharmacies are also offering booster shots.

The health department’s drive-thru vaccine schedule for October is as follows. Appointments are required:

·      Mondays (12:15 – 4:00pm) first and third dose (by appointment only)

·      Tuesdays (12:15 – 4:00pm) second dose (by appointment only)

·      Wednesdays (12:15 – 4:00pm) Pfizer booster shots (by appointment only)

The health department is also offering drive-thru flu vaccine clinics  on Thursdays and Fridays from 12:30 – 4 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Approximately 47% of Beaufort County’s total populations is fully vaccinated, as is 57% of the adult population and 21% of the population ages 12-17.