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The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is waiting on federal and state approval to give booster shots to individuals 65 and older, at high risk of severe COVID-19 and those at high risk of occupational exposure.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot for individuals in those groups who’ve been fully vaccinated for at least six months. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) must review the booster shot and further define these groups before it will be made available for use. That meeting took place on Wednesday. After that, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services with give guidance on how local providers should administer it. Forsyth County Public Health and its medical partners will announce when they are ready to begin giving boosters.

Third doses are already available for people with moderately or severely compromised immune systems who received two doses of either Moderna or Pfizer are being administered at the health department. Individuals should consult with their physician on if they need a third dose and are encouraged to make an appointment with their specialist or at their primary care clinic.