Boosters are effective against COVID-19, CDC study finds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Karen Landers, M.D., (256) 383-1231

The January 28 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirmed the value of COVID-19 booster doses in preventing infections and deaths from COVID-19.

The report states that during the periods of Delta and Omicron variant emergence, COVID-19 vaccination protected against both variants. Even though COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness decreased with the emergence of the Delta variant and vaccine-induced immunity waned, protection against hospitalization and death has remained high. Unvaccinated adults had a five times higher risk of infection compared with adults who were fully vaccinated with a booster.

Alabama was included in the 25 jurisdictions that participated in the research: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York City (New York), Rhode Island, Seattle/King County (Washington), Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.

All eligible persons are advised to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, the Alabama Department of Public Health reminds the public. Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. Moderna announced Monday that its vaccine has full Food and Drug Administration approval for adults age 18 and older. The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine can be given in some situations. For more information about booster shots and when they should be received, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

To locate a vaccination site near you, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19vaccine. The study can be viewed at cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7104e2.htm.

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1/31/22

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.