Everyone ages 18 and older are now eligible to receive a free booster COVID-19 shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized boosters of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines on November 19th. Prior to this, eligibility had been limited to individuals 65 and older and those who lived or worked in high risk environments. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are already eligible for a booster two months after their initial dose. Hy-Vee also announced that free booster doses for all three brands are available at their pharmacy locations. Pfizer and Moderna boosters are recommended at least six months after someone has received their second dose. The Iowa Department of Public Health states at least 68.8% of Iowans 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 71.7% of those 12 and older have at least one dose. With the recent authorization of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine, over 31,000 Iowans in the 5-11 age group have received their first dose. In Washington County 52.5% are fully vaccinated. To find where to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine, go to vaccines.gov.