BY MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The Doniphan County Health Department will be offering an additional shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Clinic Supervisor Sheryl Pierce says the shot will be made available to immuno-compromised individuals who will be able to get the shot when they walk into the clinic.
"We don't need a letter from the doctor, a note from the doctor," Pierce says. "If they come in and say they meet those guidelines, we will be able to administer an additional, this is not considered a booster dose, this is an additional dose of Moderna."
The Pfizer vaccine will also be available.
The additional shot will be available to walk-ins at the clinic. Doniphan County health officials have extended clinic hours, hoping demand will increase.
"Our open clinics for vaccines, and that means they can just walk in without an appointment, will be every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 and 1:30 to 4:30," Pierce says.
Pierce adds that if you can't make it at those times, you can still make an appointment.
"Those are just going to be walk in clinic times, if you absolutely can non come on those days, give us a call and we'll try to work you in another day." Pierce says.
Doniphan County health officials are hopeful with recent FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, vaccination rates will rise.
"Well I certainly hope we do," Pierce tells St. Joseph Post. "You know our vaccination rates fairly low in our county compared to the state, so we're hoping this will prompt more people to get the vaccine."
Pierce is quick to remind people though.
"The FDA approval is for 16 and over, we still have our 12 to 15 year olds and we will still be able to administer the Pfizer vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization."
Walk in clinics at the Health Department are on Wednesdays with new extended hours from 9:30- 11:30 am and 1:30- 4:30 pm where vaccine doses will be available.