News Flash

Reno County, Kan.- March 30, 2022- The Reno County Health Department is now administering second COVID-19 booster doses to certain individuals following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the second booster dose on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) offered their full support for the updated guidelines as well. The recommendation includes certain immunocompromised individuals and those over the age of 50 who received their initial booster dose at least four months ago. In addition, the CDC recommends those who received a primary and booster dose of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Data continues to support the importance of vaccination and boosters to prevent serious infection from COVID-19. “During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized,” the CDC noted. It is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and over with underlying medical conditions to be vaccinated and up to date on boosters.

Everyone 5 years of age and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Those 12 and older may receive a booster. The Reno County Health Department is administering vaccines during their normal operating hours. Walk-ins are accepted for ages 12 and over, but appointments are required for children aged 5-11. Call 620-694-2900 and select option 6 for scheduling. The vaccine is free to any Reno County resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance. 

The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30am to 6pm, Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, and Friday from 7:30am to noon. For more information on the vaccines or to find additional vaccine providers, visit www.vaccines.gov.

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