OK new formulations are trickling in, please book via our NORMAL vaccine form, which is different than the old appointment page. All COVID vaccines are appointment only via that link.

FDA approves new XBB 1.5 formulations 9/11/23

Here is the press release

Our summary, all current COVID vaccinations must stop, until the new formulations hit the market (not sure when yet).

Addendum 9/12: CDC ACIP approved as well, still waiting for details on availability from wholesalers. This is a change from years past when we ordered from WA state. Now we will be procuring from normal pharmaceutical distribution channels.

“As part of today’s actions, the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.”

“Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Consistent with the totality of the evidence and input from the FDA’s expert advisors, these vaccines have been updated to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.

What You Need to Know

Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
The FDA is confident in the safety and effectiveness of these updated vaccines and the agency’s benefit-risk assessment demonstrates that the benefits of these vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older outweigh their risks.
Individuals who receive an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who previously received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets.
The updated vaccines are expected to provide good protection against COVID-19 from the currently circulating variants. Barring the emergence of a markedly more virulent variant, the FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, as is done for the seasonal influenza vaccine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet tomorrow (Sept. 12), to discuss clinical recommendations on who should receive an updated vaccine, as well as further considerations for specific populations such as immunocompromised and older individuals.
Manufacturers have publicly announced that the updated vaccines would be ready this fall, and the FDA anticipates that the updated vaccines will be available in the near future.”

FDA approves more boosters 4/19/23

The FDA moved to add a 2nd omicron bivalent booster for some, and at the same time eliminated the original monovalent formulation.

CDC has now approved as well.

This means you can book an appointment now (if eligible below)!

Here are the bullet points from the FDA:

What You Need to Know:

• Most individuals, depending on age, previously vaccinated with a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine who have not yet received a dose of a bivalent vaccine may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine.
• Most individuals who have already received a single dose of the bivalent vaccine are not currently eligible for another dose. The FDA intends to make decisions about future vaccination after receiving recommendations on the fall strain composition at an FDA advisory committee in June.
• Individuals 65 years of age and older who have received a single dose of a bivalent vaccine may receive one additional dose at least four months following their initial bivalent dose.
• Most individuals with certain kinds of immunocompromise who have received a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may receive a single additional dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months following a dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, and additional doses may be administered at the discretion of, and at intervals determined by, their healthcare provider. However, for immunocompromised individuals 6 months through 4 years of age, eligibility for additional doses will depend on the vaccine previously received.
• Most unvaccinated individuals may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, rather than multiple doses of the original monovalent mRNA vaccines.
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who are unvaccinated may receive a two-dose series of the Moderna bivalent vaccine (6 months through 5 years of age) OR a three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine (6 months through 4 years of age). Children who are 5 years of age may receive two doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine or a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine.
• Children 6 months through 5 years of age who have received one, two or three doses of a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine may receive a bivalent vaccine, but the number of doses that they receive will depend on the vaccine and their vaccination history.

Original monovalent formulations have been discontinued.

For those who have difficulties with the digital appointment process…

To maintain equitable access, we have always offered liberal walk-in capacity.

The COVID vaccine walk-in hours are Mon-Fri 11a-12p and 2-3:30p IF traffic light green for your store here: https://islanddrug.com/traffic 



IF the light is NOT green we can’t accommodate any more walk-ins at that time. Our pharmacists will update live if conditions allow for walk-ins to resume.

Another Booster Round Coming 04/23

Washington Post news report:

FDA to okay second omicron-targeting booster for some, officials say

“Federal regulators have decided to authorize a second omicron-specific coronavirus vaccine booster shot for people who are at least 65 or have weak immune systems — an effort to provide additional protection to high-risk individuals, according to several officials familiar with the plan.
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce the step in the next few weeks, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to move quickly to endorse it, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss internal discussions.
Eligible individuals will be able to receive the dose as long as it has been at least four months since their first shot of what’s known as the bivalent booster, which targets omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 as well as the original novel coronavirus. The expectation is that consumers will consult with their health-care providers about whether to get the extra booster, the officials said.

Please understand this is a news report and we have received no official communication thru Health Department channels.

Importantly, we can’t administer 2nd round omicron boosters to anyone until official approval. PLEASE, don’t call or come in to request yet (nor pre-book appointments). We will post here and update our email list as soon as approval happens.

Baby Omicron Boosters 12/8/22

UPDATE: We have the baby omicron boosters!

FDA has approved bivalent boosters for the 6mo – 4yr group.

We WILL have some when it ships, but that has not happened yet, please wait until instructed to book.

Further, this approval stops the 3rd monovalent (original formula) dose:

“With today’s action, the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is no longer authorized for use as the third dose of the three-dose primary series in children 6 months through 4 years of age. The monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine remains authorized for administration as the first two doses of the three-dose primary series in individuals 6 months through 4 years of age, as a two-dose primary series for individuals 5 years of age and older, and as a third primary series dose for individuals 5 years of age and older who have been determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise.”

We will update here when ready to book appointments.

12/9 update (WE STILL DON’T HAVE THE NEW FORMULATION YET, stay tuned):

For immediate release: December 9, 2022                                          (22-182)

Walk In update

To maintain equitable access, we have always offered liberal walk-in capacity.

Due to current staffing levels (you can join us, apply here) and added volume from flu shots, the COVID vaccine walk-in hours are reduced to Mon-Fri 11a-12p and 2-3:30p IF traffic light green for your store here: https://islanddrug.com/traffic

IF the light is NOT green we can’t accommodate any more walk-ins at that time. Our pharmacists will update live if conditions allow for walk-ins to resume.

The CDC has new simplified messaging for their updated COVID-19 booster dosing recommendations. Everyone 5 years and older, who are eligible, should receive one bivalent booster at least two months after their last COVID-19 vaccination (booster or primary series), regardless of how many monovalent booster doses they’ve received.

Novavax monovalent COVID-19 boosters are available for adults if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster — and if they cannot or will not receive an updated mRNA booster. Recommendations for moderately and severely immunocompromised people have also been updated.

5-11 yr old Omicron booster 10/14/22

FDA has approved the bivalent boosters for 5-11 yr olds, both Pfizer and Moderna.

We have received Pfizer and can begin administering that 10/17. Moderna should arrive soon as well, will post here when supplies arrive.

NEW Bivalent COVID-19 (omicron BA.4/BA.5 + original strain) Booster Shots are HERE 9/6/22

The new Bivalent boosters are here and you can book now. Oak Harbor has openings today (Tuesday 9/6), La Conner and Clinton start Wednesday 9/7. As more inventory trickles in, we may be able to add capacity, please monitor the appointment page for status updates.

If you want a flu shot (or other vaccine at the same time), please indicate on the non-Covid Vaccine intake form.

The bivalent vaccines combine the companies’ original COVID-19 vaccine compositions with BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components, providing additional protection by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading. The primary COVID-19 vaccine series will stay the same, given their proven efficacy in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. DOH’s updated booster dose recommendations are as follows: 

• People ages 12 – 17 who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose. 
• People 18 and older who have completed a primary vaccine series can receive either company’s bivalent booster at least two months after their most recent dose. 
• Those ages 5 – 11 who have completed Pfizer-BioNTech’s primary vaccine series should continue to receive the company’s original monovalent booster at least 5 months after their most recent dose. 
• Children ages 6 months – 4 years are currently not authorized for any COVID-19 booster doses. 
• People ages 12 and over who currently have appointments to receive COVID-19 booster doses will need to contact their providers to ensure the bivalent booster is available; if not, those appointments will need to be rescheduled, as the former monovalent booster doses are no longer authorized for this age group. 

Novavax

We have limited Novavax available from the initial distribution.

This is for primary vaccination only, NO boosters and NOT for those previously vaccinated with another type of COVID Vaccine.

It is NOT mRNA like Pfizer/Moderna versions:

The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted contains a recombinant form of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein produced from baculovirus infected Sf9 (fall armyworm) insect cells and Matrix- MTM adjuvant containing saponins derived from the soapbark tree (Quillaja saponaria Molina).

We have to use our allocation for both first and second doses )a complete primary series). So, we can now offer the first doses as follows:

• Oak Harbor: Thursday (7/28/22) or Friday (7/29/22) from 10a-5p
• Clinton: Friday (7/29/22)‘ from 10a-5p
• La Conner: Friday (7/29/22) from 10a-5p

After we complete your vaccination you will receive an invite to schedule your second dose (this date/time will not be available publicly here or on our appointment page).

If more Novavax becomes available in sufficient quantities, we will notify everyone and put it in the open clinics scheduled each day.

Paxlovid available — no doc visit required

Great News!

The FDA approved Paxlovid via Pharmacist prescriptions.

Paxlovid is under EUA for COVID-19 treatment in certain patients.

Our pharmacists will complete a screening ($30) and if appropriate, provide you with Paxlovid on a walk in basis.

6 month to 5 yr 6/22/22

Ok, we are ready to go!

We have both the Pfizer and Moderna 6 month to 4/5 yr formulations.

We are launching this service with less throughput (more appointment spacing) than with other times during the pandemic. Currently, we are offering 3-5p M-F only at each store. As we gain experience with this age group, appointment capacity MAY be added. The appointment page auto updates to show green if more spaces open up. So, if we don’t have space at first please keep checking. June appointments for this age group are posted. July will follow soon.

Parents, please review instructions for how to hold your child and ensure clothing worn that allows easy access to the muscle.

Below you will find the CDC statement.

Today, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination. 

Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated. 

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Parents and caregivers can play an active role in monitoring the safety of these vaccines by signing their children up for v-safe – personalized and confidential health check-ins via text messages and web surveys where they can easily share with CDC how a child feels after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available.     

The following is attributable to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky:    

“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”    

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3rd dose/ 1st booster 5-11 year old 5-20-22

We have the 5-11 year old pediatric Pfizer vaccine in stock and appointments available.

Here is the statement from the group advising Western State Governors

• From: Arthur Reingold, MD, Chair, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup
• At its meeting on May 19, 2022, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup carefully reviewed the data presented at the U.S. C.D.C. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting held the same day concerning the recommendation that children ages 5-11 years who received a primary series of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should be given a booster dose at least five months after the most recent dose.The Workgroup discussed the data presented at the ACIP meeting concerning the current situation regarding infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the United States; the numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in various age groups, including children 5-11 years of age; the evidence of waning immunity following receipt of an initial two dose series of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; the effectiveness of a booster dose of the vaccine in increasing protection against COVID-19; and the evidence available to date concerning the very low incidence of myocarditis and other adverse events following receipt of a first, second, and booster dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. In children with moderate or severe immunocompromise, the initial series is comprised of three doses, and the booster dose will be a fourth dose of the vaccine.The Workgroup concluded that the available data supported the conclusion that the benefits of giving a booster dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to those 5-11 years of age substantially outweigh the risks, particularly in light of the data presented to ACIP concerning the significant but often unappreciated burden of COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths in children in this age group.
•  ACIP: May 19, 2022

4th dose / 2nd booster 3-29-22

The FDA has authorized Second Booster Dose of Two COVID-19 Vaccines for Older and Immunocompromised Individuals

The agency amended the emergency use authorizations as follows: 

• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
• A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.

Now the CDC has also given the green light.

The following is attributable to Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky:

“Today, CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”

We have plenty of appointments (and supply) available the rest of March and all of April.

We are excited to welcome these groups to book an appointment now (we pride our selves partly by having LOTS of openings):

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ANTIVIRALS IN STOCK
Both Paxlovid (Pfizer) and molnupiravir (Merck) available at all three locations
Rx required.

Now Offering COVID-19 Tests! Click here to schedule:

Boosters for All:

Appointments Process:

We set a number of openings for each day. As the pharmacist assesses workload and staffing, additional appointments are opened up daily. This allows us to serve more people and accommodate walk ins and those challenged with the online appointment system we use. The info on the online appointment has to be collected one way or another. We appreciate you help to get this done in advance.

Please keep checking the appointment page, it is updated dynamically all day long to reflect openings.

Jan 7 2022 (Boosters expanded to 12-15 AND now 5 months vs 6 months after 2nd dose for booster)

Today, CDC is endorsing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents age 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. ACIP reviewed the available safety data following the administration of over 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents; COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-17.

The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky

“It is critical that we protect our children and teens from COVID-19 infection and the complications of severe disease. Today, I endorsed ACIP’s vote to expand eligibility and strengthen our recommendations for booster doses. We now recommend that all adolescents aged 12-17 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their primary series. This booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. I encourage all parents to keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.”

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Here is current Recommendations (our booster date calculator below and on the appointment page has been updated):

^*Although mRNA vaccines are preferred, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.

Dec 9

16+ now eligible for Boosters (Pfizer 16-17 yr old only).

Nov 29

CDC is changing the ‘may’ to a ‘should’ for those 18 and over not in risk categories described below.

The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky

Today, CDC is strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine.

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant. I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness. I also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.

Nov 20

Update from WA DOH :

Everyone age 18 years and older who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is now eligible for a booster.

Yesterday, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded the recommendation for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to everyone 18 years and older. A booster shot will help provide continued protection against severe disease in these populations who are especially at risk for severe COVID-19.

The Western State Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also voted to recommend booster doses for everyone 18 years and older. As of today, you may begin administering COVID-19 boosters to any adult who wants one.

While ACIP expanded the booster recommendation to all adults, they noted that booster doses are especially important for some groups who are at increased risk of getting sick from COVID-19. These groups should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster:

• People 18 years and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series at least two months ago
• People who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series at least six months ago and are:
  • 50 years and older
  • 18 years and older living in a long-term care setting

Anyone 18 years and older, but not in one of the above categories, may also get a booster dose based on their individual benefits and risks.

Considerations for administering booster doses:

• Please also continue to offer the primary series vaccination to as many people as you can.
• Patients can get the same, or a different (mix and match), COVID-19 vaccine for their booster dose than they received for their primary series.
• People are still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
• COVID-19 booster doses can be co-administered with other vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
• Pregnant people may receive a booster dose of vaccine.
• You may not give a booster dose to anyone age 17 or younger.

Nov 19

FDA authorized boosters for both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for everyone 18 and older. The CDC has also agreed.

5-11 year olds Ready To Book Appointments :

Nov 4

Oak Harbor has received its first 5-11 year old Pfizer shipment.

Here is our plan for this special group:

We are offering 5-11 year old only express clinics on the appointment calendar after school from 3-6pm daily at Oak Harbor beginning TODAY. Other stores will begin offering a version of this as well once vaccine arrives there. Please monitor the appointment calendar.

5-11 year olds are also welcome to book any of our other appointments if those times work better, but the dedicated clinics are recommended.

Check out our special vaccination room for kids!

Even pre-loaded with treats and stickers!

An FDA approved a lower dose of Pfizer for 5-11 year olds last week. This week, the CDC’s ACIP also gave their approval (and the CDC Director subsequently gave final CDC signoff).

October Third Dose News :

Booster Dose Calculator

From WA DOH Oct 22:

BOOSTER DOSES NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL THREE COVID-19 VACCINE TYPES FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is expanding the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for certain individuals following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.

Last month, health care providers began offering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to certain individuals. Since then, more than 330,000 additional doses (which is a combination of booster and third doses) have been given out across the state. Now, providers can also offer booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines to those who are eligible.

At least six months after completing the primary Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, the following groups of people are eligible for a booster dose:

• Those 65 and older,
• Those 18 – 64 who live in long-term care settings,
• Those 18 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions, and
• Those 18 – 64 who work or live in high-risk settings.

At least two months after receiving the single-dose J&J vaccine, it is recommended that everyone 18 and older receive a booster dose. Pfizer and J&J’s boosters are both full doses, while Moderna’s booster is a half dose.

The following people are currently recommended to get COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Washington:

• People 18 years and older at least two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine primary series.
• Certain groups of people at least six months after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

The new recommendations also allow for “mix and match” booster doses, meaning that someone can get a different vaccine for their booster dose than they got for the primary series.

These new guidelines are incorporated into the Emergency Use Authorization of each vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and have been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Read more in the Washington State Department of Health’s news release from today.

The CDC and the Western States workgroup recommend:

• People 18 years and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose at least two months after their first dose. This booster can be any of the three COVID-19 vaccine brands authorized in the U.S.
  • The booster dose following Johnson & Johnson is recommended for anyone who received that vaccine for their primary series.
  • Although rare, individual benefit-risk assessment may inform which booster product to use including
    • Consider the availability of booster products.
    • Consider the risk profile of vaccine boosters, including rare events.
• Certain people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine can get a booster dose at least six months after their second dose. This booster can be any of the three COVID-19 vaccine brands authorized in the U.S.
  • The booster dose following an mRNA vaccine primary series is recommended only for the following groups:
    • People 65 years and older should get a booster dose.
    • People 18 years and older living in long-term care settings should get a booster dose.
    • People 50 to 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of social inequities should get a booster dose.
    • People 18 to 49 years of age who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of social inequities may get a booster dose.
    • People 18 to 64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of where they live or work may get a booster dose, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Who can receive additional doses:

• You may administer a booster dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to those who qualify following the recommendations above.
• You may administer a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) to people who qualify for it due to immunocompromise as described in this guidance.

Who cannot receive additional doses at this point in time:

• You may not administer a booster dose to someone who received Moderna or Pfizer for their primary series and is not in one of the populations listed above.
• You may not administer a booster dose to anyone age 17 years or younger.
• You may not administer a fourth dose to anyone who received an additional dose due to moderate to severe immunocompromise state.

Sept Third Dose News :

Please see this notice we received form WA DOH (Sept 24 @ 1:49pm):

The CDC and the Western States workgroup recommend:

• People 65 years and older should receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
• Residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
• People aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
• People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Here is the COVID-19 additional and booster dose vaccine guidance as of today, September 24.

Who can receive additional doses:

• We may administer a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine to those who qualify based on the recommendations listed above.
• We may administer a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) to people who qualify for it due to immunocompromise as described in the August update below.

Who cannot receive additional doses:

• We may not administer a booster dose to someone who is in one of the populations listed above but who received Moderna as their primary series.
• We may not administer a second or third dose to someone who received Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is only one dose no matter your age or immune competence.

You may book now!

August 2021 Update #2: Third Doses Available for Immunocompromised

You can now book third doses thru our scheduling platform.

Below is the communication we received from WA DOH:

Dear COVID-19 Vaccine Providers,

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for certain immunocompromised groups. These groups are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 and may benefit from an additional dose. This includes people who:

• Are receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Have advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Are receiving active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress the immune response.

While the vaccines are 90 percent effective against most coronavirus variants, studies show that immunocompromised individuals do not always build strong immunity. The third dose is not considered a booster dose, but an additional dose for those who did not develop adequate immunity with the two-dose series.

Here’s what you should do for your patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised:

• If your patient got an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer), they should get an additional dose at least 28 days after their second dose. Use the same vaccine brand if possible. If you don’t have the same brand available, it is OK to use the other mRNA vaccine brand.
• If your patient got the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, they should not get an additional dose of Johnson & Johnson or a dose of an mRNA vaccine at this time. You can also reach out to the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) Project to discuss other options.

People who are not immunocompromised should not receive an additional dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Please do not administer any doses of vaccine beyond the doses recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), even if your patient requests it.

You can read more about considerations for an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including a list of immunocompromising conditions, in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s interim clinical considerations.

August 2021 Update: All 3 Vaccines All 3 Stores EVERY Day — On Your Schedule

Your community-based vaccination effort continues. Our team of volunteers (vaccinators / ushers) and staff crossed 70,000 doses administered.

As supply has caught up to demand, simplicity now overtakes the complicated.

We are happy to offer all three COVID-19 Vaccines every day at all three locations. We have plentiful slots available on our appointment page now . Even if you plan on walking in, please attempt to make an appointment. The appointment scheduling completes your intake process as well, saving time for everyone upon arrival.

Lines have dissipated too, becoming more light and variable. We also have a live store traffic feature. Pharmacy and vaccine customers alike can check if now is a good time or maybe a bit later in the day, etc.

We will now come to your workplace. Anywhere in the Puget Sound region. We just ask for a minimum of 40 people. Please have us come to your office/community by filling out this form.

One other quick new feature to share – we now have digital vaccine records available! Register, online here. You will receive a custom link with vaccination type, lot, and date. A cool, convenient, and shareable backup to the cards issued.

Second Doses — Both Moderna & Pfizer

Please make this 2nd dose due date calculator your primary resource for determining when to book your next appointment. We post appointments weekly. If you don’t see your date available yet, sign up for notifications of new appointment postings.

Second Doses from other vaccination sites

We are proud to assist people to complete their series from those beginning at other providers. Many people are having challenges getting their second shot where they got their first. Please book an appointment.

Want to be the first to be notified of new appointments?

Enter your email here to get notifications before the webpage, and public at large.

Industry Leading Accessibility

We take accessibility seriously.

We know the lines can grow at times. If you have mobility issues, we move you to the front. If you can’t get out of the car, we will come to you in the parking lot.

If the technology aspect of this process gets a bit much, just walk-in.

If you have trouble getting thru on the phone lines, please make your accessibility request in our drive thru.

Volunteers

We have experienced amazing support from volunteers in recent weeks. Both Vaccinators and Ushers. Simply amazing.

Improving access to our La Conner and Clinton stores will be driven by volunteer availability. Please keep checking our site, some new spots are open now. As volunteer vaccinators schedule shifts, we will open appointments.

Now, some important procedural details

For those getting second doses will require proof of the original shot. Your CDC vaccination record card is the documentation we need. If you don’t have it with you, we can look it up. But, that may cause a delay in store.

Attire

Please come prepared to EASILY expose your deltoid.

Much time can be saved by planning ahead.

Another pro-tip.

Long sleeve button up dress shirts by-in-large don’t easily get to the sweet spot. If they do, its done by force and puts pressure on the vascular beds— in the same area our needle goes. Yes, that sets you up for needing a bandage.

And now, a Thank You.

Thank you for the outpouring of support and appreciation from so many.
Thank you to our staff and volunteers for their efforts. Long hours. Changing variables – sometimes hourly. Sacrificing family time in lieu of improving public health. Well done.

Island Drug is proud to again serve in the role of Your Most Convenient Vaccination Destination, just as we did during the H1N1 pandemic.

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