Missouri expands eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has amended the state’s standing orders for COVID-19 vaccine administration immediately authorizing use of a single booster dose for all individuals ages 18 and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

This follows the FDA and CDC’s announcements today authorizing and endorsing the use of single dose boosters for all adults.

Those who are 18 or older and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for a booster shot at least 2 months after a 1-dose vaccine of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, or at least 6 months after a 2-dose vaccine of Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna.

“The data we released yesterday shows that vaccines are undisputedly saving lives,” said Donald Kauerauf, Director of DHSS. “These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness. I would encourage all eligible adults to seek a booster to maintain a high level of protection, especially as we enter colder months when instances of respiratory infections are more readily circulated.

With the upcoming holidays, where you will come in contact with your loved ones, getting vaccinated is the way to prevent getting sick and unknowingly exposing others. Thousands of Missourians are also still choosing to receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri each week, so we are continuing to make progress as a state.” 

COVID-19 booster shots are administered anywhere the COVID-19 vaccine is available. Individuals do not need to get their booster shot at the same location they received their initial series. Those seeking a booster shot can visit MOStopsCovid.com to find a nearby provider and schedule an appointment or locate a walk-in clinic.

Individuals are strongly urged to get their flu vaccine at the same time they receive the COVID-19 booster shot. Although it is still too early to determine the severity of influenza this year, there have already been multiple outbreaks on college campuses across the United States.

It is recommended that individuals 6 months and older get their flu vaccine annually. Find a flu shot near you at MOStopsFlu.com.

Research shows that all COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death. Individuals should only get a booster shot when it is recommended, not earlier. Learn more about COVID-19 booster doses from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 vaccine:

• Check for vaccine appointments at Vaccines.gov, where you can search for availability by vaccine type (e.g., Pfizer).
• Call the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (or TTY 1-888-720-7489). Help is available in multiple languages. 
• Locate local vaccination events in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com.  
• Seniors and homebound adults can make arrangements using information at MOStopsCovid.com/seniorsMissouri DHSS COVID-19 Public Hotline1-877-435-8411 Mon.-Fri. from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test:

• Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free community testing sites: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites.
• Order a test through the state’s free at-home COVID-19 testing program.
• Find a free testing option near you through the federal pharmacy locations.