Alva Review-Courier -

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans ages 16-17 can now get the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine booster following yesterday’s announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that emergency use authorization has been expanded to include this age group.

“We applaud the decision to make this booster dose available to more Oklahomans, and have the inventory on hand now to immediately begin administering to anyone ages 16 and older,” Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) Interim Commissioner Keith Reed said. “The vaccine is safe and effective, and our best defense against severe illness from Covid-19.”

Boosters are now available to all adults, regardless of which vaccine you previously received. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine booster is currently available for adolescents ages 16-17. Adults ages 18 and older can get any of the three approved Covid-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Individuals are eligible six months after completing the primary two-dose series of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.

“We encourage Oklahomans to consider getting their booster shot or primary vaccination series, if you haven’t already, to ensure you are protected and have peace of mind while you celebrate the holidays with family and friends,” Reed said.

Oklahomans can find vaccine appointments for anyone five and older by visiting a local pharmacy or personal provider, using the state’s Vaccine Scheduler Portal, visiting vaccines.gov or by calling 211.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.