November 12, 2021-Press Release-BOOSTER SHOTS AVAILABLE FOR AGE 65+ AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PATIENTS; PFIZER VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR ALL CHILDREN AGES 5 THROUGH 11

(Austin) – Central Health-affiliated CommUnityCare Health Centers is now administering Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 through 11 years old who are established patients. CommUnityCare is also offering booster shots by appointment only to eligible adult patients who completed their primary Pfizer-BIONtech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine series. Children and adult patients can receive their shots at their CommUnityCare home clinic (medical home).

To support the demand for pediatric vaccines and provide adequate staffing, CommUnityCare will close its walk-in vaccine locations starting this Friday, Nov. 12, at Rosewood-Zaragoza, North Central Health Center, and Southeast Health & Wellness Center. “CommUnityCare strongly encourages patients eligible for a COVID-19 booster to come in and get their shot and is also encouraging parents to vaccinate their children five and up,” CommUnityCare CEO Jaeson Fournier said, while noting that, “Vaccines continue to be the most effective way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the following vaccine recipients are eligible for any of the COVID-19 boosters authorized in the United States:

Those who have completed the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine series at least six months ago and are:

- - 65 years or older
  - Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
  - Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
  - Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk setting

Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago and are 18 years and older

“Vaccines and boosters are key to stopping the spread and keeping each other safe,” Central Health President & CEO Mike Geeslin said. “COVID boosters and pediatric vaccines are free and will be the best reinforcement for a safe and healthy holiday season.” Pfizer’s vaccine for younger kids is two doses of 10 micrograms, rather than the 30 micrograms per dose used for people 12 and older.

For more information and to schedule appointments, call CommUnityCare at 512-978-9015. For the latest information on CommUnityCare’s efforts related to COVID-19, visit HTTPS://COMMUNITYCARETX.ORG/COVID19/#VACCINEINFO.