October 23, 2021 8:00 a.m.
The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has completed its review of the federal process and has recommended a booster dose for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
A release from Governor Kate Brown said recipients of the Moderna vaccine may receive a booster shot six months after completing their primary vaccination series. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a booster shot two months after receiving their first dose.
The Workgroup also approved the “mix-and-match” strategy, endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This allows anyone qualifying for a booster to receive any of the FDA-approved vaccines. That means individuals may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience.
Governor Brown’s release said the Workgroup recommended that these groups of people who received the Moderna vaccine should receive a booster dose after at least six months:
*People 65 years of age and older
*People 18 years of age and older residing in a long-term care facility or
*People 50 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk for social inequities
The Workgroup recommended that all individuals 18 years of age and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine should receive a booster dose after their first shot.
In addition, the Workgroup recommended that these groups of people who received the Moderna vaccine may receive also receive a booster dose after six months:
*People 18 through 49 years of age with underlying medical conditions or at increased risk for social inequities
*People 18 through 49 years of age who are at risk for SARSCoV-2 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting
Governor Brown said everyone eligible who wants a booster will be able to get one and “…the extra layer of protection a booster dose provides”.