Pasadena Health Officials Begin Administering COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Pasadena Public Health Department has begun administering Pfizer COVID-19 third doses, or booster shots, to eligible groups including seniors, people with underlying medical conditions and those working jobs with high risk of exposure, authorities announced Tuesday.

The move mirrors a policy shift by the L.A. County Department of Public Health last week, which was done in response to guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Booster shots are only available for those who received the Pfizer vaccine formulation at this time and should be administered at least six months after the first round of vaccine, PPHD officials said in a written statement.

“Those who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson will need to wait until the Food and Drug Administration and CDC review the data about boosters and determine the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines,” according to the statement.

Groups eligible to receive booster shots include people 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, people 18 and older with underlying health conditions and workers in high-risk settings, including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and workers in homeless shelters or prisons, officials said.

Pasadena Director of Public Health Dr. Ying-Ying Goh urged all those eligible to schedule a booster shot.

“PPHD will continue to work closely with our community to offer COVID-19 vaccine to those who are not yet vaccinated, in addition to providing booster doses,” she said.

Appointments for booster shots can be made through the state’s MyTurn.CA.gov website or directly at a pharmacy offering them. The PPHD will only be administering booster shots to those registered through the state website.

Three drive-thru booster shot clinics were already being planned for Saturday, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, city officials said. They will be listed on the state’s MyTurn.CA.gov website.

When receiving booster shots, residents are asked to bring proof of their prior vaccinations, whether physical or digital, and may be asked to sign a self-attestation form indicating they are eligible for the dose.

Those considering a booster shot were urged to contact their physicians to determine if a booster shot is needed and discuss the risks and benefits, officials said.

Anyone needing assistance in making an appointment can contact the Pasadena Citizen Service Center at (626) 744-7311.

Related:

L.A. County Starts Administering Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots, Pasadena Will Follow Suit Next Week