09/28/2021 6:00 PM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends populations at high risk for COVID-19 illness who received the Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for their primary series get a Pfizer booster shot 6 months after receiving their second dose.  

Find out what’s happening in Crystal Lake-Cary with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Only certain populations initially vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine are eligible to get a booster shot at this time.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago:

Find out what’s happening in Crystal Lake-Cary with free, real-time updates from Patch.

People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccine will likely need a booster shot, but the current CDC recommendation is specific to high-risk individuals who received Pfizer. More data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and J&J/Janssen booster shots are expected soon.

Many of the people who are now eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot received their initial vaccine early in the vaccination program and will benefit from additional protection. Be sure to check your vaccine record to confirm which vaccine you received before planning for your booster dose.

“The Pfizer booster will help strengthen the protection for those that are most at risk for complications and severe illness from COVID-19 infection. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is widely available throughout McHenry County at pharmacies and at MCDH’s clinics located in Woodstock and Crystal Lake. You can now easily search for locations near you that offer Pfizer vaccine at Vaccines.gov,” said Susan Karras, Public Health Nursing Director for the McHenry County Department of Health. 

Vaccines.gov allows individuals to search for COVID-19 vaccine by location, vaccine brand/manufacturer, and appointment availability. Another way to find COVID-19 vaccine near you is to text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.  You may also talk to your healthcare provider about how to get the COVID-19 booster.

To get a booster shot at an MCDH clinic, you must bring the following information:

  • Photo identification
  • CDC Vaccination Record with the previous two doses documented. If no card is presented, a new card may be issued (fee applies) if vaccine doses can be verified in the State of Illinois Vaccine Registry (I-CARE).
  • Vax Verify record

To book an appointment at an MCDH clinic in Woodstock or Crystal Lake, please visit https://bit.ly/MCDHCOVIDVaxLoc and select “MCDH Woodstock or Crystal Lake.” Those who need assistance with scheduling an appointment, need a translator or have questions about their eligibility, please contact the MCDH COVID-19 Call Center by calling (815) 334-4045.

This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

The rules of replying:

  • Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated.
  • Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims.
  • Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic.
  • Review the Patch Community Guidelines.