NEW YORK – New York City’s top physician said Monday that all New Yorkers 18 and older can receive a COVID booster if they wish, and issued an order to remind providers not to deny anyone that want that extra protection.
The FDA and CDC have yet to authorize boosters for all adults, though that could happen next week, but New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi says the city it’s making them eligible for the boosters anyway. It anticipates what is expected to be a travel-packed Christmas and Thanksgiving season, with family and friends gathered in groups the size of which many have not seen in the past two years amid the pandemic.
It also comes as New York City is in the midst of a rebound in COVID cases before the busy Christmas season has begun. According to the latest city numbers, the weekly mobile COVID case average has risen 13% compared to the moving average of the previous four weeks. Deaths and hospitalizations remain low, a testament to the power of vaccination to prevent serious illness, authorities say.
Still, the holidays present a time of maximum vulnerability, as the former epicenter of the global COVID-19 pandemic seeks to continue its accelerated pace of recovery.
“I know that booster doses can provide one more layer of peace of mind, allowing us to breathe a little better for ourselves or our loved ones, especially when we get together and travel on vacation,” Chokshi said. “So let’s use all the means in our power to make this a safe and healthy winter season.”
The federal government approved COVID booster vaccines last month for millions of Americans, including the combination of vaccine brands. Health officials say the latter is safe, and boosters are recommended for most of the population.
Chokshi said his notice also covers all three types of vaccines. When asked if his latest guidance is consistent with federal and state recommendations, the health commissioner said “yes.” He cited one of the key qualifiers, individual exposure risk, as one of the reasons.
Exposure risk is a very personal assessment, Chokshi explained, and while the city wants to prioritize people it knows will benefit the most from a booster, it also doesn’t want to turn anyone away.
It will be in the first week of eligibility and with the Pfizer doses.
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz expressed support for universal brace eligibility. He agreed with Chokshi that New York City’s density is an automatically increased exposure risk, and the busy travel season expected for the next month and a half only compounds that risk.
According to officials, there are 6.6 million people over the age of 18 in New York City. So far, only about 630,000 have received reinforcements. That’s about 9.5% of the newly eligible population.
Chokshi, who has cared for patients as a primary care physician at Bellevue Hospital since 2014 and battled COVID earlier this year, wrote the person week. an op-ed on COVID enhancers. This article was published prior to Monday’s announcement and has eligibility information prior to the universal booster vaccination announcement. Read it below.
What You Should Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
By Dr. Dave A. Chokshi
Recently, important updates were announced about the COVID-19 vaccine – that certain people are now eligible for a “booster” dose. Since the beginning of COVID-19, our scientific understanding of the virus has constantly evolved and, understandably, many New Yorkers have questions about this new development.
I would like to provide the “who, why and where” about booster shots.
Who should get a booster? All three brands of booster vaccines are available to many New Yorkers – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – and “mix and match” vaccines is safe. But who is eligible for a booster depends on the vaccine they originally received.
At this time, Pfizer and Moderna boosters are approved for certain people vaccinated at least six months ago, specifically, people who are 65 years of age or older, adults with underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes), and adults at increased risk of exposure due to their job (as healthcare workers) or because of where they live (as nursing home residents).
The Johnson & Johnson booster is approved for anyone 18 years of age or older who has received [la vacuna] at least two months ago, as I did. Since “mix and match” is now licensed, Johnson & Johnson recipients can get a booster of any of the three licensed vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson). There is limited data showing that Moderna or Pfizer vaccines could result in higher levels of antibodies.
Why should you get a booster shot? Science continues to show that all three licensed COVID-19 vaccines are safe and save lives. That’s why getting more New Yorkers vaccinated with their first and second doses remains the most important thing. The booster adds another layer of protection – it’s meant to “boost” your immunity. This is particularly important for people who are at higher risk for serious illness.
Where can New Yorkers get a booster? In New York City, booster shots are available at the five-county sites and for home vaccination. To find a location near you, visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder. Immunizations are free at city sites for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Already, more than 250,000 New Yorkers have received a booster shot. That means thousands of New Yorkers will have greater protection against COVID-19. They will be able to reunite with friends, family and loved ones more safely. And for any New Yorker who is not yet vaccinated, I urge you to take the first step today: join 6 million other New Yorkers and get vaccinated. It is our best way to get out of this pandemic and return to normal life again.
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