The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has authorized vaccine providers across Kansas to begin offering a second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 50 and over and certain immunocompromised individuals following authorization from the FDA and recommendation from the CDC.

In addition, CDC recommends adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations, including those who are over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

The following updates were made to booster shot eligibility.

• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
• A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.

Meanwhile, the Sedgwick County Health Department is now offering second boosters of COVID-19 vaccine at its Community Vaccine Clinic (223 S. Main) and at mobile vaccination clinics around Sedgwick County.

No appointments are necessary. No ID is required. Parent/guardian consent is required for anyone under 18 to receive COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccine site near you, visit www.vaccines.gov.