Meridian Township pharmacies prep for Moderna booster shots

Pharmacies in Meridian Township are gearing up for the Moderna booster shots recently approved by the FDA.

Since the FDA approved the Pfizer booster shots for individuals who are ‘high risk’ or over 65, pharmacy managers are preparing themselves to distribute the COVID-19 Moderna booster.

News has been developing quickly when it comes to the COVID-19 booster shots. It can be hard to keep track of all the new information and many individuals have lots of questions. What vaccines have been approved for a booster? What are the eligibility requirements? What locations are providing booster shots? 

The FDA also approved the booster mix-and-match approach. This allows those who are vaccinated to receive the second dose of a different COVID-19 vaccine from the first, a strategy known as heterologous prime-boost.

“Most People are really excited to get it, they are really anxious but they’re doing really well with it,” said Lansing CVS pharmacy manager Kim Schieberl. “People are especially excited to get their third dose entering winter months with the Delta Variant.” 

You can schedule your free COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot appointment here at the CVS in Okemos.

A panel of outside advisers to the FDA voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine to those with underlying health issues.

“We are lucky to be giving the booster shot to those who are immunocompromised,” said Schieberl. “But right now that is the only thing that has been approved.”

Much like the Pfizer booster shot, which is the only vaccine that has emergency use authorization for a booster shot, the Moderna will not be available for everyone right away. The Moderna booster will likely be prioritized for seniors, adults with health problems as well as those that live or work in areas that put them at a higher risk.

“People are really anxious waiting for the shot, calling every week to see if we have it,” said Walgreens pharmacy manager Mckenzie Grulke.

You can visit Walgreens Pharmacy’s website for pharmacy hours, services and vaccine appointments here.

After receiving the Pfizer booster shot, Meridian Township resident, Dominique Brown, hopes to keep his family safe from the coronavirus when he goes home to visit them. 

“Someone in my family has cancer, so it was important that I get the booster shot to be able to protect them whenever I go home,” said Brown.

Many people are trying to get the vaccine due to health-related issues with family, vaccine mandates for work or school and some just want everything to go back to normal.

“I would recommend everyone to get vaccinated,” said Brown. “It is important to protect those you care about and get back to normal life.”

Video Credit: Katie Reichel and Destinee Shelly