NC waiting on CDC guidance before giving booster shots to elderly

The Federal Drug Administration advisory panel recommended on Friday that people 65 and older get a third shot, but health officials in North Carolina said the state would wait for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's approval to make them available to the elderly.

Right now, only those with a weakened immune system can get a Pfizer booster shot but, that could change if the CDC gives approval for people 65 and over to get a third shot at meetings this week. All others are encouraged to wait until boosters are approved for their demographic.

"We can quickly see the booster folks overwhelming and pushing those first and second dose folks out of the line. It’s really a way for us to preserve spots for anyone who is eligible, no matter the stage of vaccination they are in," said Stacy Beard, spokesperson with with the Wake County Department of Health.

Q&A: COVID-19 boosters for 65 and over

With the increase in staff, Wake County is able to doll out more than 2,000 doses each day.

Those looking to get a booster shot will be asked to declare that they are 65 and older or immunocompromised by signing a digital form. Health officials say no medical proof is required.

"If they tell us they are immunocompromised, we do not do a deep dive into their medical history,"according to Bruce Robistow, health director for the Halifax County Health Department.

"The population that seemed to have the highest demand was those 65 and older. Now that it’s immunocompromised and 65 and older, I’m hopeful the demand climbs," he said.