Aspirus offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters

For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN – Aspirus announced on Monday, Oct. 4 that it is offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved a booster shot at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series for certain populations,” Aspirus stated in a release.

According to the release, the CDC recommends that people 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings and people ages 50 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions get a booster shot.

People ages 18 to 49 years with underlying medical conditions and adults who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster “based on their individual benefits and risks,” Aspirus said.

“The new booster shot endorsements only apply to the Pfizer vaccine,” Aspirus stated. “Those with two Pfizer doses are still considered fully vaccinated and remain highly protected against COVID-19 and severe illness with the shots they've already received.”

Aspirus said recommendations are expected in the coming weeks on potential booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

“Individuals who are immunocompromised are eligible to receive a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the series they initially received,” Aspirus stated. “Third doses are different than boosters and are only approved for those who are immunocompromised.”

To learn more about third vaccine doses, visit www.aspirus.org/covid19.

The schedule an appointment to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, use the MyAspirus App, visit www.myaspirus.org, or call the Aspirus COVID-19 Call Center at 844-568-0701 or 715-843-1454.

Aspirus said a flu shot can also be requested during either of the appointment scheduling options.

“It is safe to receive the COVID-19 and influenza vaccine at the same time,” Aspirus stated.