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Looking for a COVID-19 booster? Here are some options

Wake County Public Health will offer COVID-19 vaccine booster doses of Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech by appointment on Monday, Oct. 25.

Posted Updated

By
Amanda Lamb
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Beginning Monday, Wake and Johnston counties will offer all three brands of the COVID-19 vaccine for people seeking booster doses of Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech shots.

The shots offer continued protection for those at high risk for serious illness or exposure and who have been fully vaccinated with first two doses of Pfizer and Moderna at least six months ago, which would be April 25. People who recieved the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster after two months.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's fine to receive a different brand as your booster than what you originally received.

Boosters are recommended for those who are at least 18 and work in a high risk setting, those who are immunocompromised and anyone who is at least 65. If you have questions, call the state COVID-19 helpline at 1-888-675-4567.

Where to find a shot

On Monday morning, the webpage for Wake County Health and Human Services, said there were no appointments for booster shots.

But as of lunchtime, there were many appointment slots open. Local health officials said that it would take a few days for the new booster shots to roll out smoothly.

WRAL's Amanda Lamb, who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, checked in with local pharmacies about how the roll out was going. Amanda Lamb visited several pharmacies, and all said that patients must have an appointment before getting their booster shot.

"I was able to make and appointment online at Walgreens for later this week," Lamb said.

When Randy Winrow found out from his doctor at Wake County Health and Human Services that he could get the Moderna vaccine booster, he was thrilled.

"It's better to stay on top of everything and get your booster," he said. "You need to get back out in society and do the things you used to do."

If you go to a pharmacy don’t forget to bring your vaccine card, your license and your insurance card.

Recipients must bring their vaccine card. There is no cost, no identification and no proof of medical condition or employment required.

Appointments are available six days a week and include evening and Saturday hours. No walk-ins are permitted. Those interested can make an appointment online.

It may take several days to secure an appointment.

The Johnston County Health Department will offer all three booster shots at its clinics from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Tuesday, clinics are open until 6 p.m. An appointment is not necessary,

Appointments for booster shots are also available at CVS and Walgreens.

Experts from the state's helpline said everyone who offers coronavirus vaccines should be administering the booster to eligible groups by the end of the week.

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