[AL-Directors] COVID-19 booster vaccines

[NIELSEN Buzzy * SLO]

** Please forgive cross-postings **

Hi folks,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued recommendations<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html> on booster shots. The CDC recommends booster vaccines for some groups at least 6 months after they received the Pfizer vaccine. We have received questions on whether library workers are eligible for these boosters.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reviewed the CDC's recommendations and published their own Frequently Asked Questions<https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3898B.pdf> on Friday regarding the booster shots. In the very first question, they say that those who may receive a booster shot in Oregon include:

"Adults age 18 through 64 years: ... who are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission because of where they work or live, such as teachers, grocery store employees, health care workers and people who live in congregate care settings."

OHA has not defined what "increased risk" means, nor are library workers specifically called out in any of OHA's literature. However, given that many library employees are working frontline with students or the public, similar to grocery store workers, they may have increased risk of exposure and therefore may qualify for a booster shot.

Please note that booster shots currently are only approved for those who received the two-shot Pfizer vaccine. The CDC is reviewing data on whether boosters could be helpful for those who received the Johnson & Johnson or Moderna vaccines.

More information about booster shots is available on OHA's website<https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-booster-covid-19-vaccine>. Those wishing to receive a booster shot (or receive their first dose of the vaccine) can use Oregon's vaccine locator tool<https://getvaccinated.oregon.gov/#/locator?lang=en>.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Stay safe, stay healthy,

Buzzy Nielsen, MPP, MSI (he/him/his)
Program Manager, Library Support & Development Services
State Library of Oregon
buzzy.nielsen at slo.oregon.gov | 971-375-3486
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