Public Health Department Urging those 12 and Older to Get Boosted!

Published on February 15, 2022

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The headlines are everywhere: COVID hospitalizations are declining, the Omicron variant is fading, maybe the worst of the pandemic is over. And that might be true. However, disease experts with the Unified Government Public Health Department warn that it’s not over yet – and the best way to protect yourself, your family and friends is for everyone age 12 and older to get their free COVID booster shot.

Why Get a Booster Shot?

Studies and data show that over time, the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent severe COVID infections can diminish, especially for those 65 and over. A booster shot increased the immune response in both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna trials. With a better immune response, people should have improved protection against getting a severe COVID infection.

Who Can Get a Booster Shot?

COVID-19 booster shots are now available for people ages 12 and older. Here are more details:

If you received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations for your first 2 shots:

  • Anyone 12 years and older is eligible for a booster.
  • Get your booster at least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
  • That means if you got your second Pfizer vaccination shot on October 14, 2021 or before, you are eligible to get your free booster shot now!
  • Either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters are preferred in most situations*
  • Teens ages 12-17 years who originally got a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can ONLY get a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot

If you received Moderna vaccinations for your first 2 shots:

  • Everyone 18 years and older is eligible to receive a booster shot
  • Get your booster at least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
  • That means if you got your second vaccination shot on October 14, 2021 or before, you are eligible to get your free booster shot now!
  • Either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters are preferred in most situations*

If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine initially (one dose):

  • Everyone 18 years and older is eligible for a vaccine booster shot
  • Get your booster shot at least 2 months after receiving your J&J COVID-19 vaccination.
  • That means if you got your J&J vaccination on or before December 14, 2021, you are eligible to get your free booster shot now!
  • Either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna boosters are preferred in most situations*

*Although mRNA vaccines are preferred, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered for booster shots in some situations. 

 

Where to get your initial COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot in Wyandotte County:

  • Search for vaccine sites by location and vaccine type at vaccines.gov
  • Available at the UG Public Health Department’s vaccination site at the former Kmart building, located at 7836 State Avenue in KCK on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. No appointment or health insurance is needed.
  • At the Unified Government Health Department building at 619 Ann Avenue by appointment only. Call (913) 573-8855 to schedule an appointment. 

Community Calendar

Cross-Lines Community Outreach (646 South 7th Street) is providing free COVID testing and/or vaccinations every Monday, 8AM-1PM through the end of February. No appointment is needed. Booster shots are available for those age 12 and older.

El Centro’s Academy for Children (1330 S. 30th Street, KCK)

Saturday, February 19, 12PM-3PM

In partnership with Heart to Heart, they will offer first, second and third doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Registration is strongly recommended (but not required) to attend.

Register for the 2/19 Event

Vaccines are free and no insurance is needed.  

 

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