CDC Authorizes Pfizer Booster Shots Guidance, City-County Public Health Ready to Deliver at All Vaccination Sites

Qualified groups include all aged 65+, those aged 50-64 with medical conditions, and others based on risk

City of Corpus Christi seal, Public Health logo and County of Nueces seal

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for booster shots for those fully vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The City of Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health Department is ready to administer authorized booster shots to eligible patrons at all vaccination sites.

CDC recommends:

  • people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
  • people aged 50 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
  • people aged 18 to 49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
  • people aged 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

“Your Public Health Department is ready to deliver booster shots to all eligible patrons, and I encourage all residents to stay informed and consult their health care provider to see if a booster shot is right for them,” said Annette Rodriguez, Director of Public Health. “They will be available, safe, and accessible to all eligible patrons at all of our vaccination sites.”

The following medical conditions have been identified by the CDC as factors that put adults at risk of complications from COVID-19 illness. This list is presented in alphabetical order and not in order of risk.

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
  • Dementia or other neurological conditions
  • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
  • Down syndrome
  • Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
  • HIV infection
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
  • Smoking, current or former
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
  • Substance use disorders

Additional details on these medical conditions can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.  

The CDC guidance only pertains to those who have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Booster shots have not been authorized for those vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Booster shots of Moderna or Johnson & Johnson will not be given, and those vaccinated with Moderna or Johnson & Johnson should not seek or get a booster shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The full CDC release regarding booster shots can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0924-booster-recommendations-.html.