The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says it still does not have authorization to begin giving booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
Health leaders address why only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for boosters in the following news release.
On Thursday and Friday, a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) independent panel endorsed the authorization of booster doses for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. This is the first of several steps that must be taken before that authorization is issued. This week, the FDA will meet to determine if they agree with the independent panel’s endorsement. If so, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will issue guidance on the administration and recommendation for the use of these booster doses.
Once each of these steps is completed, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) will issue authorization to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to begin the administration of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots.
Until decisions are made by the FDA, CDC, and DHSS, individuals who initially received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines should wait before seeking a booster shot. The Health Department is prepared to immediately begin offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters, if they are authorized.
The Health Department continues to urge those who are not vaccinated to take this step as soon as possible. All approved doses and the Pfizer/BioNTech booster shot are available at the Health Department Vaccination Clinic at 1425 E Battlefield Rd. This location is open Monday through Friday from 9 am until 4 pm. More information and other vaccination opportunities are available at vaccine417.com or by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211.