State Health Officials Support CDC's Expansion of Booster Eligibility

Monday, October 25th, 2021 -- 1:01 PM

(WMTV) State health officials are supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation Friday to expand eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to include Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine.

Certain populations who have an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 can receive the Moderna booster at least six months after having their second dose and people ages 18 years and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can receive a booster at least two months after their first dose, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services advised.

DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake asked eligible Wisconsinites to be patient in getting one, as it may take time for everyone who needs a booster to get it.

“With three COVID-19 booster dose options now available, our national medical experts have given us additional tools to help stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant and slow the spread of COVID-19 in communities throughout Wisconsin,” Timberlake said.

DHS backed Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot on Sept. 27. The state’s top health agency noted it is waiting for the CDC to publish clinical guidance for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s booster before vaccinators will actually be able to start giving them out.

Pharmacies such as Hy-Vee have already announced that it is offering these booster doses. Vaccinators are able to provide different COVID-19 booster brands to patients than the one they initially received, which DHS said should provide more flexibility to health care providers.

Public Health Madison & Dane County noted they can only provide Pfizer boosters to those who are eligible, until DHS gives guidance on Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s version.

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