SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Immunocompromised people looking to get a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine can now sign up to get a shot in Seminole County.
People can start making appointments on PrepareSeminole.org, according to the county. A doctor’s note is not needed but patients will have to self-attest.
Seminole County will begin distributing booster shots Wednesday at Eastmont Park at 830 Magnolia Drive in Altamonte Springs. The site will have the capacity to give out 350 shots. Individuals are advised to bring their vaccination cards.
“These individuals are fighting other types of issues and that’s what this is really for — it’s to boost their antibodies so they aren’t those break-through cases and if there are those break-through cases, they don’t go to the hospital,” Seminole County Emergency Manager Alan Harris said. “We want to save lives, that’s the whole purpose of this event today.”
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The doses are meant for people who are moderate to severely immunocompromised and have had two doses of Moderna or Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. Officials said about 16,000 Seminole County residents fall under that eligibility. Their last dose must have been at least 28 days ago.
Seminole County will also host more booster shot events through Saturday. People can click here to make an appointment.
The county identifies immunocompromised people as:
- Those who have received a solid organ transplant
- Are presently taking immunosuppressant medications
- Are presently being treated for cancer
- Or may have other qualifying conditions
No other people are eligible for the extra shot at this time. Those who are seeking to get a third dose are advised to speak with their health care provider about their medical dose and if the extra shot is appropriate for them, health officials said.
Donna Walsh with the Seminole County health department said a prescription is not required to get the booster. County leaders are encouraging individuals to bring their vaccination care.
Betty LaValley received her third shot on Wednesday. She said she wanted to feel safe.
“I got the third one to make sure it works and now I feel better,” LaValley said.
Gary Pedrotty also received his booster shot. The 84-year-old said he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he wanted more protection from COVID-19.
“I think it’s a good idea. If the scientists say that should be done, then do it. Because I believe in the science,” Pedrotty said.
As for expanding boosters to the general population, Walsh said they haven’t received guidance on that yet.
“Will that come? Most likely, but the time frame we just simply don’t know,” Walsh said.
Click here for a full explainer on COVID-19 booster shots.