NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Effective Friday, the CDC announced more people are eligible for a third dose "booster shot" of the Pfizer vaccine.
Those eligible for the Pfizer booster include three groups of people, six months after their second Pfizer dose: (1) People age 65 and older, (2) people over age 18 with underlying medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and others, or (3) workers in COVID-19 high risk settings like health care workers, teachers, grocery store workers, and those in prisons or shelters.
Decisions have not been made about Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine boosters at this time.
Here's a running of where you can get a Pfizer booster shot:
Statewide
Walgreens came out Friday saying its pharmacies nationwide are already offering booster doses to eligible patients, but customers won't be able to schedule an appointment until Saturday, Sept. 25. Patients who didn't receive their first two doses of the COVID vaccine at a Walgreens pharmacy will have to bring proof of their vaccination in order to be eligible for the booster shot.
Walmart and Sam's Club are also offering booster shots as early as Friday. Patients can get their booster shots either by appointment, or just by walking in. Those eligible for the boosters can schedule on Walmart or Sam's Club's websites.
NCDHHS said Friday that "most COVID-19 vaccination locations can provide Pfizer boosters," adding that people can go to MySpot.nc.gov and check “Pfizer-BioNTech (age 12+)” to search locations and ensure Pfizer is available.
Guilford County
The Guilford County Health Department told WFMY News 2 on Friday they are still finalizing plans regarding COVID booster shots. On Saturday, the department had not posted an update on its website or social media pages.
Cone Health
Cone Health will begin offering a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to those eligible by appointment only.
No-cost third-dose vaccination appointments are available at all Cone Health vaccination clinics. Appointments can be made at conehealth.com/vaccine or by calling 336-890-1188 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Those seeking a booster shot will be required to attest that they received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
Cone Health appointments may fill quickly. Other vaccination options are listed at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines.
Forsyth County
Beginning Monday Sept. 27, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Novant Health and the Forsyth County Department of Public Health will begin offering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots, according to a release on the county health department's website Saturday.
Eligible individuals will be able to get their booster shot from participating health care providers, including local pharmacies, and will not need to get it from the same provider they received their first two doses from, the department said.
Rockingham County
WFMY News 2 reached out to the Rockingham County Health Department on Friday, but had not heard back yet. The department on Saturday had not posted booster information on its website or social media pages.
Randolph County
Randolph County Public Health is now scheduling appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine booster (Pfizer). The number for the appointment line is: 336-365-6110. The phone line is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Davidson County
The Davidson County Health Department told WFMY News 2 on Friday that "we are working to determine best location to accommodate the anticipated demand for Pfizer booster doses. We will be opening appointments as soon as possible."
Alamance County
COVID-19 vaccination appointments for first, second, third, and booster doses can be made through the online appointment system located at www.vaccinatealamance.com.
For those without internet access, the COVID-19 vaccine call center is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to schedule appointments. The number to call for an appointment is 336-290-0650. Alamance County Health Department will be administering COVID-19 booster shots at a drive through COVID-19 booster clinic at The Village Market Place, 1003 W. Main St., Haw River 27258 for a limited time.
An appointment is required. If you make an appointment and are unable to keep it, or if you choose to receive your vaccination elsewhere, please call 336-290-0650 to cancel the appointment. This will help to alleviate the possibility of vacant appointment times. The public will be informed of any changes and updates through the Health Department website, social media, and the local news media.
Yadkin County
WFMY News 2 reached out to the Yadkin County Health Department on Friday, but had not heard back yet. The department on Saturday had not posted booster information on its website or social media pages.
Stokes County
WFMY News 2 reached out to the Stokes County Health Department on Friday, but had not heard back yet. The department on Saturday had not posted booster information on its website or social media pages.