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JAMESTOWN – Booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine are now available to Chautauqua County residents, with nearly a half a dozen clinics taking place next month.
County Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says those vaccinated earlier this year should sign up to receive a third dose as COVID-19 delta variant cases continue to rise.
“Research is now showing that immunity can wane, which is not unusual for many people who have now been fully vaccinated since January,” explained Schuyler. “So, it will be important to get that third dose to ensure that your immune system is still up to par to compete with this ever-changing virus.”
The highly contagious delta variant, Schuyler says, is responsible for the uptick in cases this month. As of Friday morning, 210 people were actively ill with the virus with 10 people hospitalized.
“About 95 percent of what is circulating around New York State is the delta variant. People don’t understand the delta variant is a game changer for us in public health. It’s a new strain that has mutated and is very contagious,” says Schuyler.
Those interested in receiving a third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine have several options, with five drive-thru clinics taking place at the Chautauqua Lake Central School Bus Garage.
Appointments are required, with online registration at chqgov.com. Local pharmacies and state-run sites are also available options.
Schuyler agrees with federal recommendations that anyone, even those vaccinated, should mask up to stop transmission of the variant. That is especially important to protect those unvaccinated, like children under 12.
“We fully support the CDC’s recommendations that there should be universal masking in schools at this time if we can get the delta variant under control, we will continuously monitor that and I think that that’s when those restrictions can be peeled back,” said Schuyler.
Johnson & Johnson is vying for approval to roll out a booster for its single shot as well.
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