Health department to offer second COVID-19 booster vaccinations – Monroe Evening News

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The Monroe County Health Department is offering local residents a second booster vaccination against COVID-19 to those who qualify. 
On Thursday afternoon, MCHD officials announced they would begin scheduling appointments for those interested in such a dose. Those who qualify are individuals age 50 or older, or individuals age 12 or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. 
The decision comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized second booster doses, which was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services endorsed the action, encouraging those eligible to consider another booster.
“Eligible Michiganders are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations, including booster doses that provide extra protection, including residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks can spread quickly and extra protection is strongly recommended,” the MCHD said in a press statement.
Per regulations, the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 immunization authorized for those 18 or younger. According to a statement from MCHD, the booster may be given in conjunction with other immunizations, including the flu shot. 
A second booster can only be administered four months after receiving a first booster immunization.
According to MDHHS’ data portal, about 51% of Monroe County residents have received at least one vaccination dose. About 45% have completed a full vaccination schedule. 
To schedule an appointment, call the health department at 734-240-7830.
Those attending booster appointments are asked to bring their vaccination cards and proof of identification. 
Masks are mandatory upon entering the health department’s office, and are required for the duration of the visit. 
Area residents are not eligible to receive vaccination if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, headache, diarrhea or flu like symptoms. 
Residents are also ineligible if they are in isolation following potential exposure to the virus or if they are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. 
Earlier this week, the state announced it would begin changing the way it reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. 
Beginning next week, MDHHS will no longer update those metrics on a daily basis. The state’s COVID-19 dashboard will report case and death rates each Wednesday.
Additionally, its cumulative case rate map for each county will be replaced with the CDC’s community level markers. That map will now only be refreshed on the state’s website each Friday.

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