COVID-19 Pfizer Booster Shots Now Available for Eligible Individuals in Santa Clara County
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots are now available in Santa Clara County for those who received initial Pfizer vaccination shots at least six months ago and are eligible according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.
“The County of Santa Clara continues to follow CDC guidance, and it’s clear that boosters are a valuable tool that people can use to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara. “This is the next step in keeping up with best practices to protect us against COVID-19.”
Boosters are available through the County at its five large-scale vaccination locations for any eligible individuals who live, work or go to school in Santa Clara County. While appointments are required at the San José, San Martin, and Mountain View locations, there is drop-in availability at the DePaul Health Center in Morgan Hill. In addition, many doctors’ offices and pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 boosters.
Booster shots offer additional protection for those who are at high risk for complications from COVID-19 due to age or pre-existing medical conditions. People 65 years and older, residents of long-term care facilities and those over 50 with an underlying medical condition are strongly encouraged to get a booster shot. The CDC definition of an underlying medical condition is very broad; a significant portion of the population now qualifies for a booster.
“It’s important protection, and people can easily get a booster right now,” said Dr. Cody. “We anticipate there will be a significant spike in demand when COVID-19 vaccinations become available for the youngest segment of our population. Now is the time to get a booster.”
Per CDC guidelines, those age 18-49 with an underlying medical condition -- as well as those at risk of COVID-19 exposure because of occupational or institutional setting -- are also eligible and may want to consider a booster.
If you are 18-49 years old, and received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, ask yourself:
- Do you have an underlying condition that puts you at serious risk of COVID-19 complications?
- Do you work in a setting such as health care that puts you at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19?
- Do you live in a congregate setting that puts you at greater risk for exposure to COVID-19?
Initial vaccinations still provide substantial protection and are working well to prevent severe illness. These initial vaccinations are the number one tool for preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, so it’s important to get vaccinated as quickly as possible if you haven’t done so already.
Boosters are available at the following County sites. Sign up for appointments at sccfreevax.org. Boosters are available on a drop-in basis at the Morgan Hill location. Hours of operation at sccfreevax.org.
- Mountain View Community Center
201 S Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040
467 N White Rd, San Jose, CA 95127
- DePaul Health Center Vaccination Site
18550 DePaul Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
- San Martin Vaccination Site
90 W. Highland Ave, San Martin, CA 95046
- Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Expo Hall
344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA 95111
The authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are currently seeking emergency use authorization for booster shots and if approved, the County will be prepared to offer those additional shots as well.
Public health scientists continue to study the benefits of booster shots, which may be recommended for additional groups in the future.
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