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On March 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommendations to include a second booster shot for people over the age of 50 to increase their protection against COVID-19.

"Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster four months after their prior dose to increase their protection further," said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky.

"This is especially important for those 65 and older, and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19, as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time," she said.

"CDC, in collaboration with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans," she added, opening up the possibility of a third booster shot in the future.

On the same day, the FDA also authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for the same at-risk groups.

"Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from COVID-19 in older and immunocompromised individ-uals," said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals."

"Vaccine recommendations continue to be updated as new data becomes available," said Tulare County Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught. "While the vaccine remains very effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19, booster vaccines help ensure ongoing protection and are a normal part of most vaccine series. Staying up-to-date with vaccines helps protect the health and well-being of all family members in the home."

Booster vaccines are available at any pharmacy or clinic where the COVID-19 vaccine is offered. Visit myturn.ca.gov for clinic locations or to set an appointment.