LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics now offer booster shots of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to any County resident age 18 and older following the FDA’s emergency use authorization, the CDC’s official recommendation, and the State of Maryland’s approval. Federal and state health regulators expanded the eligibility of booster shots to all adults who have received their initial two doses of Pfizer or Moderna; booster shots for adults who received Johnson & Johnson were approved in October 2021.  

“As colder weather arrives and the holiday season begins, staying protected against COVID-19 is important because more activities and gatherings will most likely be indoors,” said Prince George’s County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education Dr. George L. Askew. “Adding more layers of protection against the virus will increase our chances of a safe and healthy holiday season, especially for those Prince Georgians who are at highest risk of severe illness or exposure to the virus.” 

Residents may self-attest at a clinic that they are eligible for a booster dose. Individuals younger than 18 have not yet received federal approval to receive booster shots. Adults may get a booster shot at least six months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after the single dose of Johnson & Johnson. The FDA and the CDC allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. Eligible individuals who prefer a vaccine brand may choose which one they receive as a booster dose, regardless of the brand they previously received.  

“Each of the COVID-19 vaccines available provides great protection against getting very sick or dying from the virus. With booster doses now available for all three vaccines and all adults, every adult in the County has another chance to make that protection even stronger,” said Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter. “Through testing, vaccination, masking, and staying home when sick, Prince Georgians have continually shown that we know how to fight COVID-19. We all need to maintain our defenses to avoid a winter surge in cases and keep each other safe and healthy.” 

As a reminder, the County and other health care providers are also offering third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to residents who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, based on CDC guidance. A third dose of Pfizer or Moderna is recommended at least 28 days after the second dose for those individuals who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not build the same level of immunity to a two-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised.  

Visit mypgc.us/COVIDvaccine for more information about COVID-19 vaccinations, including locations and hours of operation for vaccine clinics operated by the County and other public and private organizations.  

###