As the holidays approach, there is a growing push for more adults to get their booster shots, in hopes of strengthening immunity and avoiding a possible spike in COVID-19 in the winter.
More than 3.7 million Californians have received a booster dose so far, according to the state Department of Public Health. By comparison, roughly 25 million people are believed to be fully inoculated across the state.
Who is eligible for a booster now?
Federal guidance indicates that adults can receive a booster if they are at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 because of where they work or live.
Traditionally, the “higher risk” criteria outlined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been applied to those who work in places such as hospitals, schools, supermarkets or factories, or those living in collective settings such as prisons or homeless shelters.
But the wording in the recently issued criteria is broad, and some health officials, including in California, are now increasingly pointing out that it can be interpreted much more extensively.
What conditions are covered?
The list of qualifying medical conditions is extensive, and includes being overweight, pregnant or current or former smoker, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, depression, or an alcohol or drug use disorder.
By all of those criteria, “virtually everyone is eligible,” said Dr. Sara Cody, health officer and director of Public Health for Santa Clara, the most populous county in Northern California. “We really encourage everyone to go out and get their booster shot.”
What are California officials saying?
Dr. Tomás Aragón, a state health official and director of the California Department of Public Health, sent a letter Tuesday instructing antigen providers to “allow patients to self-determine their risk of exposure. Do not turn away a patient who is requesting a booster dose. “
Adults eligible for the booster may include those who “live in geographic areas that have been heavily impacted by COVID,” those who “reside in high transmission areas,” “who work with the public, or live with someone who works with the public. ”, Or if“ they live or work with someone at high risk of suffering a severe impact from COVID, ”Aragón wrote.
There may also be “other risk conditions assessed by the individual,” he added.
On Wednesday, the California Department of Public Health summarized its booster guidance as follows: “Generally speaking that everyone can understand, we urge Californians to get a booster if anyone in their household has a medical condition or if they work with others”.
Officials note that the state’s MyTurn platform will have the ability to assess residents’ reinforcement eligibility, as well as send text messages to alert people to available options.
Boosters are also available at county-run pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and vaccination centers.
Here’s a full breakdown of the state reinforcing antigens.
Why promote reinforcements?
Without a booster, health officials warn, inoculated people are at higher risk of contracting infections, which can lead to hospitalizations and death among the most vulnerable.
“If you think you will benefit from getting a booster shot, I encourage you to go out and get it,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Secretary of Health and Human Services, during a briefing on Wednesday.
He added: “It is not too late to get it this week. Get that extra protection for Thanksgiving gatherings you can attend. Certainly, in the face of winter festivities, it is important ”.
Nearly 70% of Californians have already received at least one dose of vaccine, and about 63% are fully inoculated, according to data compiled by the Times. However, those numbers remain well below what health officials believe is necessary to stop the pandemic.
“We are worried about winter. We are concerned about the increase in the number of cases and the pressure on our hospitals, due to a number of other problems in addition to COVID, “said Ghaly. “So do what you can today to get vaccinated. Protect yourself in the winter ”.
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