Like countless millions of Americans, Joan and Tom Crutcher hit one roadblock after another trying to schedule an appointment when COVID-19 vaccinationsfirst became widely available in January.
With the help of a local vaccine-scheduling group, the twowere finally able to get their first shots of the Pfizer vaccinein Osceola County on Feb. 13and on March 13, their second.
By comparison, getting an online appointment for the Pfizer booster shots was, as Joan Crutcher putit: "Easy peasy, and we're very relieved." They got the booster Oct. 20 at a close-to-home West Melbourne Walgreens.
The availability of booster shots is widespread following the September approval of the Pfizer booster and in October,the go-ahead for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters. Those approvals were followedbyword that the FDA would allowthe use of "mix and match" booster shots in eligible individuals— getting, for example, a Pfizer or J&J vaccination but then a Moderna booster—following the completion of a primary vaccination.
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Boosters are availableat Walmart, Publix and Winn Dixie, at local pharmacies and urgent cares, at the Florida Department of Health, and through most local physicians’ offices—at many locations, walk-in boosters are available, but check first to see if appointments are requested,said Don Walker, Brevard County communications director.
As of Wednesday, per the Department of Health,68% of eligible Brevard County residents have received at least onedose of a COVID vaccine. That's below the state figure,which stands at 73%and it hasn't been climbing higher.
County and health officials are spreading the message: Get that first and second shot, and then, get a booster.
"The impact this virus and the Delta variant has had on our community has cost lives, has led to devastating economic conditions for residents who have lost their jobs and suffered other financial consequences of layoffs and closed businesses," said Walker.
"It has changed the way we live our lives and deal with our day-to-day routines. A thriving community is a healthy and safe community. The vaccine — and now the boosters — will help us tamp down the ongoing impact of this virus and its variants is readily available in Brevard County."
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The Space Coast Health Foundation (SCHF) recentlyinitiated a community campaign called “Get VaccinatedBrevard"to urge individualsto talk with their health care provider and make an informed decision about gettingthe COVID-19 vaccination. The campaign is seeking the support of local municipalities and businesses to help in the effort.
“We continue to urge people to get the COVID-19 vaccination, based on the advice of local and state medical officials,” said Johnette Gindling, SCHF president and chief executive officer.
“We believe the vaccinations will protect people against the worst symptoms of the virus, and provide relief to our medical personnel."
COVID-19 booster shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinesshould be taken at least sixmonths after the second shots, according to CDC guidance.COVID-19 booster shots for Johnson & Johnson are available and should be taken at least two months after the initial shot by those individuals 18 years of age and older.
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For the Crutchers, any side effects, like sore arms and fatigue, were well worth it given the relief they feel over their boosted vaccination status.
"It felt a little better than the gym-like atmosphere of where we got our original shots," Joan Crutcher said of getting the booster at a pharmacy.
"The pharmacist was very efficient andprofessional; we got the flu and COVID booster at the same time, one in each arm. We waited a few minutes after as she completed our cards and off we went;maybe an hour from start to finish, if that."
Manyare choosing to stick with the vaccine they received for their first and second doses, but some are choosingthat "mix and match" option.
Mary Lou Maxwell contracted COVID-19 the first week of January. After recovering,she andher husbandgot theJ&J shot on March 13.
Wednesday, she got a Moderna booster shot at an Indialantic Publix, saying she based her choice on guidance from the CDC.
"I strongly feel it is the American thing to do to get the vaccine, and follow the adviceof the dedicated doctors and scientists to bring an end to this horrific plague," she said.
Walker saidcounty officials recommend thatresidents continue to follow CDC recommendations and "to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the vaccine and getting the booster if eligible under current guidelines."
"If it sounds like the same song and dance it’s because the song and the dance haven't and won’t change until this virus is no longer a threat to our residents and to the overall health of our county," he said.
Just after her booster, Maxwell said, "I did this for my grandkids, and all the kids, and all those I love."
"I want to go where I want to go without fear of getting deathly sick or being responsible for anyone else getting sick," she said.
"I did it because it’s the right thing to do."
By the numbers
Total Brevard County COVID-19 cases to date: 80,429
• Current daily average cases: 44
• Daily average cases during June (pre-surge): 30
• FDOH COVID-19 weekly report can be viewed at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
Contact Kennerlyat321-242-3692 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly.
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