The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway encouraged COVID-19 booster shots for Eddy County residents and all New Mexicans.
“I have received my booster shot and was glad to have the opportunity to do so,” Janway said.
In an Oct. 21 DOH new release, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the approval of booster doses for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines for certain populations.
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“Pfizer boosters have been available since late September,” the news release stated.
David Morgan, DOH spokesperson, said the New Mexico Medical Advisory Team reviewed the CDC guidelines and adopted them as written.
DOH said New Mexicans 65 years and older, along with those 18 years and older in long-term care settings, those who have underlying medical conditions and work or live in high risk settings were eligible to receive booster shots six months or more after completion of an initial Pfizer or Moderna series.
“For New Mexicans who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago,” the release stated.
Data indicated all three COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the current Delta variant, according to DOH.
“Throughout this pandemic we’ve had a lot of interest and inquires about patients in our local communities and inquiring protecting themselves and their families,” said Oscar Andrade, district leader for CVS Health in southern New Mexico and El Paso.
Carlsbad has a CVS location at 801 North Canal Street and Andrade said it offers the Moderna vaccination.
“We can provide that as a regular series or as a booster dose,” he said.
As of Oct. 28, 82 percent of New Mexicans had at least one COVID-19 dose and 72 percent had both vaccinations, DOH indicated.
In Eddy County, 59 percent of residents had at least one shot and 51 percent had both shots in a series.
“We will continue to partner with the Department of Health and Eddy County to ensure that Monday’s vaccine clinic at the (Walter Gerrells) Civic Center is available to provide vaccinations and boosters for those who want them,” Janway said.
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DOH encouraged people to schedule a primary COVID-19 or booster shot with their primary care doctor or through the statewide COVID-19 vaccine registration system online at vaccineNM.org.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at [email protected] or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
