Pfizer COVID-19 booster available starting next week

Today, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced that Covid-19 Pfizer booster shots will be available beginning next week.

Eligible individuals who want to upgrade their body's ability to fight off Coronavirus infection can receive a booster vaccination at a community clinic or participating pharmacy.

The Pfizer booster will be available to residents 65 years of age or older, folks between the ages 50 and 64 with underlying health conditions, healthcare workers, and first responders who have completed their 1st and 2nd doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals must also have received their second Pfizer dose six or months ago.

According to a release issued today, "... the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many of the people who are now eligible to receive a booster shot received their initial vaccine early in the vaccination program and will benefit from additional protection. With the Delta variant’s dominance as the circulating strain and cases of COVID-19 increasing significantly across the United States, a booster shot will help strengthen protection against severe disease in those populations who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease. Additional information can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html."

Community clinics will be held at the iHotel and Conference Center, located at 1900 S. 1st Street in Champaign October 5-7 from 9a until 4pm. No appointment is needed.

Booster shots will also be available at the Kohl’s Plaza at 1901 N. Market Street in Champaign. The Pfizer booster will be available to all eligible individuals at this location. Booster appointments can be scheduled through MyCarle and at carle.org/covid-19 for October 5th – 7th, 12th – 14th and 19th – 21st from 10:00a – 5:30p.

Appointments are also available at local pharmacies. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org for locations, times and availability.