COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
« ReturnSt. James Parish Urgent Care offers the Bivalent COVID-19 Booster (updated booster) for individuals 5 and older.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters are offered on a walk-in basis every Thursday from 8am to 8pm at St. James Urgent Care located in Lutcher in the Medical Plaza next to the Hospital.
The CDC recommends an updated Bivalent Covid-19 Booster for individuals ages 5 and older. The bivalent vaccines, which offer better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant, have been authorized for use as a single booster dose administered at least two months after primary or booster vaccinations.
The original monovalent COVID-19 Boosters will no longer be available for patients over the age of 5. However, the monovalent vaccines will remain available for the first vaccine series for all patients.
What is a Vaccine Booster?
A booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine. Typically, patients are offered boosters after immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. A booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.
Who should get a COVID-19 Booster?
COVID Boosters are recommended by the CDC for individuals ages 5 and up.
- See the CDC’s guidelines for individuals who are NOT moderately or severely immunocompromised.
- See the CDC’s guidelines for individuals who ARE moderately or severely immunocompromised.
When are COVID-19 Boosters recommended?
The Bivalent Booster is recommended for individuals ages 5 and up at least 2 months after the original series or last monovalent booster.
Do I need the same type of Booster as my original vaccine or last booster?
The CDC allows patients to “mix and match” boosters, meaning that any patient who was vaccinated and qualifies for a booster can receive any approved booster regardless of the type of vaccine initially administered.
Where can I get my COVID-19 Booster?
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters are offered for individuals ages 5 and up through St. James Urgent Care on Thursdays from 8am to 8pm. Urgent Care is located in the Medical Plaza next to St. James Parish Hospital. At this time all COVID Vaccines and Boosters are being offered on a walk-in basis. No appointments are needed. This location and schedule are subject to change based on volumes and availability.
Can I get my COVID Booster at the same time as my flu shot?
Yes. The CDC states that individuals can get COVID Vaccines (and other vaccines including a flu shot) at the same time. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.
What is the difference between a booster and an additional dose?
An additional dose is different from a booster. People who are immunocompromised may not develop the same immune response level after an initial two-vaccine series. In this case, an additional “extra” dose of the original vaccine may be recommended to help them build the same level of immunity as people who are not immunocompromised. A booster is recommended as protection from the vaccine wanes over time. For more details, please review the CDC’s information for moderately to severely immunocompromised people and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure if you meet these guidelines.
