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CDC says some people can now get another COVID-19 vaccine

Adults age 50 and up, immunocompromised people at least 12 years old and adults ages 18 to 49 who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine as both their primary series and booster dose may receive a second booster dose under new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

The 50-plus and immunocompromised people ages 12 and up can get a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first booster dose.

For adults 18 to 49 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as their primary series and booster dose, they can get a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first Johnson & Johnson booster dose.

That makes about 1 million state residents eligible for a second booster shot, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

“VDH welcomes CDC’s updated guidance,” said Christy Gray, the state vaccination coordinator and director of the division of immunization. “This is not a blanket recommendation for everyone. Members of the general population who are staying up-to-date on their vaccine remain well protected from severe disease without a second booster.”

In Suffolk, 60.5% of people are fully vaccinated with two doses, and 26.9% have received a booster or third dose. Isle of Wight County has the highest percentage of people in the Western Tidewater Health District who are fully vaccinated (67%) and who have received a booster or third dose (32%). Southampton County has the lowest percentage of people who are fully vaccinated (54.1%) and who have received a booster or third dose (25.5%). In Franklin, 63.2% of people have been fully vaccinated, while 28.3% of people have received a booster or third dose.

Statewide, 72.7% of residents are fully vaccinated, and 33.8% have received a booster or third dose.

Gray said people can consult with their health care provider to make the best choice on whether to get a second booster dose to deal with their own level of personal risk.

“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen that the older you are or if you’re moderately or severely immunocompromised, the more you are at risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death if you contract COVID-19,” Gray said. “There is ample supply of vaccine available in the state to ensure everyone eligible for a second booster will be able to get one.”

Get vaccinated

Everyone ages 5 and up is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To get a free vaccination, go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users can call 7-1-1). Help is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

Vaccines by the numbers

As of March 31

Vaccine Doses Administered: 142,791

People With At Least One Dose: 63,496

People Fully Vaccinated: 56,853

People With Booster/ Third Dose: 25,239

Percent of the Population with At Least One Dose: 67.6%

Percent of the Population Fully Vaccinated: 60.5%

Percent of the 5-11 Population Fully Vaccinated: 24.0%

Percent of the 12-17 Population Fully Vaccinated: 57.3%

Percent of the Population with Booster/Third Dose: 26.9%

Percent of the 12-17 Population with Booster/Third Dose: 11.2%

Percent of the Adult Population with At Least One Dose: 78.6%   

Percent of the Adult Population Fully Vaccinated: 70.4%

Percent of the Adult Population with Booster/Third Dose: 34.0%

Source: Virginia Department of Health