Mercy began administering Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccines, per the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization on Monday, September 27. Booster doses are authorized only for individuals who previously received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and are:
- 65 years of age and older
- 18 through 64 years of age and at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18 through 64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19, including severe COVID-19
Booster dose can only be administered six months after the second dose of a series of two doses.
The Mercy COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is available for individuals seeking a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as a third dose for those who are immunocompromised. Booster shots will only be given to those whom the CDC recommends receive a booster dose. Patients may inquire with their primary care provider regarding booster doses.
High-Risk Individuals Eligible for a Third Dose
According to the CDC, high-risk individuals eligible for a third dose are those who are 28 days past their second dose and have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune system
Per the CDC, patients will need to self-attest that they are severely to moderately immunocompromised, but proof of their condition is not required. Please bring your COVID-19 vaccination record card to your appointment; this shows when you received your COVID-19 vaccines and the type of vaccine that you received. Must be six months after the second dose of a series of two doses.
Additional frequently asked questions include:
How old do I have to be to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
You must be 12 years of age to receive the Pfizer vaccine and 18 years of age to receive the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine per the FDA. If under 12 (Pfizer only), a parental consent will need to be completed.
Where can I receive my COVID-19 vaccine?
You can receive your COVID-19 vaccine at all MercyCare Urgent Cares, Mercy Pediatric Clinic, MercyCare Monticello and most primary care MercyCare clinics. Call your provider’s office to see if they’re offering the COVID-19 vaccine.
What do I have to bring with me to my vaccination appointment?
- If you have already received a first or second dose, please bring your vaccine card to the appointment.
- Please bring an ID.
- Medicare patients: Please make sure you bring your red, white and blue Medicare card to the vaccination appointment. See an example here.
- While the vaccine is free, your insurance may be billed for the administration of the vaccine.
- Please plan to remain at the clinic for at least an additional 15 minutes after your appointment time.
If you have not already, please consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
