ORLANDO, Fla. – On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed booster shots for older or more vulnerable Americans, including people 65 or older, nursing home residents and people ages 50 to 64 who are immunocompromised.
CDC advisers said they recommend booster shots be administered once patients are at least six months past their last Pfizer shot.
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Southeastern Grocers, which includes Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarkets and Winn-Dixie pharmacies, will begin administering the Pfizer booster shot, the company stated in a release on Friday.
The grocer is offering walk-up and online appointments, in addition to a coupon for $10 off groceries, to eligible individuals at available locations.
CVS will also begin administering the vaccine at around 5,600 CVS stores across the country and 649 locations in Florida, a release on Friday said.
The FDA recommends the extra shot for those who are immunocompromised and those who have received an organ transplant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the following people should opt for a third dose:
- Those who have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
People who may fall under one of those categories should speak with their healthcare provider about their medical condition, the CDC says. Occasionally, a prescription from a doctor may be required for a third dose.
Here’s where you could get one in Central Florida:
Seminole County
People can start making appointments for Seminole County’s booster shot program on PrepareSeminole.org, according to the county. A doctor’s note is not needed but patients will have to self-attest. Individuals are advised to bring their vaccination cards.
Brevard County
Health First is offering a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine based on FDA recommendations.
The health system said patients must receive the same brand of vaccine previously administered and are required to bring a prescription from a doctor. Third-dose shots will be served on a walk-in basis only. Individuals will need their COVID-19 vaccination card for verification purposes, according to hospital officials.
Those considered immunocompromised by the FDA’s standards can head to the following locations for a third shot:
- Health First Family Pharmacy-Gateway (1223 Gateway Drive)
- Health First Family Pharmacy-Viera (8725 N. Wickham Road)
Parrish Medical Center is also offering third doses of Pfizer or Moderna, according to CDC guidelines, to people “with moderately to severely compromised immune systems.” The medical center says a physician’s note and preregistration is required to receive the third dose. To register, click here.
Orange County
At the moment, Orange County is not offering third doses of a coronavirus vaccine. However, the health department said it is waiting on guidance from the state.
Pharmacy Retailers
Several pharmacy chains are already offering appointments for individuals to receive the third dose and the list continues to grow.
Publix pharmacies are offering a third dose of both Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine. Publix said Pfizer is only available at locations in Brevard, Duval, Orange and Polk Counties. People have the option to book a vaccine appointment for a Pfizer dose. Click here to learn more about getting the booster shot at Publix.
People can head to Walgreens to get vaccinated. Walk-ins are preferred, appointments are not necessary. CVS pharmacies are offering appointments for the extra shot as well. Read here to see if you qualify for a third dose.
Walmart and its subsidiary Sam’s Club are also offering vaccine appointments for a third dose. Click here to learn more.
Southeastern Grocers, which includes Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarkets and Winn-Dixie pharmacies, is the latest group to begin administering the Pfizer booster shot. The grocer is offering walk-up and online appointments, in addition to a coupon for $10 off groceries, to eligible individuals at available locations.
CVS will also begin administering the vaccine at around 5,600 CVS stores across the country and 649 locations in Florida. Eligible individuals can make an appointment at CVS.com.