Weekly Update for 10.22.21
Moderna, J&J Booster Doses Available Next Week

The FDA and the CDC have now approved booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, in addition to the previously approved Pfizer booster doses. The Coastal Health District will begin giving Moderna and J&J boosters on Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Here's what you need to know.

If you previously received Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

The eligibility rules for Pfizer and Moderna recipients are the same. If you were initially vaccinated with Moderna or Pfizer, you are eligible for a booster dose 6 months after your last dose if you meet at least ONE of the following criteria: 

• Aged 65 and older,
• Resident in a long-term care setting,
• Aged 18 and older with certain underlying medical conditions, and/or
• Aged 18 and older with an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure because of where you work or live.

Mixing of vaccine brands is allowed; you are permitted to get a booster dose of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson, regardless of which vaccine you received initially. 

If you previously received Janssen vaccine by Johnson & Johnson

If you were initially vaccinated with the single dose Janssen vaccine by Johnson & Johnson, you are eligible for a booster dose 2 months after your initial vaccination. No other criteria apply. 

Mixing of vaccine brands is allowed; you are permitted to get a booster dose of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson. 

When can I schedule my booster dose appointment?

Pfizer booster doses are available now. Moderna and Janssen booster doses will be available in the health departments of the Coastal Health District beginning Tuesday, October 26.

Not every clinic has every brand of COVID-19 vaccine. Please check our scheduling website to see which vaccines are available at each location.

Appointments for Moderna and J&J boosters will be added to our online scheduling system on Tuesday. At that time, you can schedule an appointment at www.chdcovidvax.org. If you need assistance with scheduling, you may call our COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 912-230-5506. The call center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

What is a Booster?

Booster doses prolong the immunity you developed from a previous vaccination.

Boosters are common for many routine vaccinations like chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, and rubella, for example.

If there is evidence that a vaccine's protection wanes over time, a booster dose may be recommended. Scientific studies have shown that the protection from the COVID-19 vaccines can decrease over time, and a booster dose gives you longer-lasting immunity. 

Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in the Coastal Health District

The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) offer mobile vaccination clinics throughout our area. The clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine.

Click the button below to view upcoming events and pre-register for an appointment. Walk ups are also welcome.

Need a COVID-19 Test?

The Coastal Health District offers free COVID-19 testing in 6 locations. The tests are PCR tests using a sample collected via nasal swab, and results are typically available in 36-48 hours.

We have testing sites in Savannah, Brunswick, St. Marys, Hinesville, and Springfield.

Click here to pre-register for a COVID-19 test through public health.  

Your vaccine story

Tell us your vaccine story!

If you've received the COVID-19 vaccine, why was that the right choice for you? We'd like to hear your COVID-19 vaccine story. We may share it here and at YourVaccineStory.com to help inform and inspire others. 

Click the button below and tell us Your Vaccine Story! 

Addressing Local Vaccine Concerns