SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 – NH+C is scheduling Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for eligible individuals based on CDC guidelines. That includes people 65 and older; people 18 and older with specific medical conditions; plus healthcare and front-line essential workers. 

Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine that has been authorized by the FDA and CDC for booster shots at this time.

Booster shots: Conditions that qualify

CDC announced its criteria for Pfizer booster shots on Sept. 24. Individuals who meet CDC criteria can join NH+C’s waitlist to request an appointment: northfieldhospital.org/covid-19-vaccine

We contact people on our waitlist via phone or text to schedule an appointment. You must hear from us before scheduling a booster shot appointment. Please do not call.

The CDC recommends these people should get a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months (or longer) after completing the first two doses of Pfizer vaccine:

• People 65 and older
• Residents 18 and older in long-term care settings
• People 50–64 years with specific underlying medical conditions (see below)

CDC recommends these people may get a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after completing the first two doses of Pfizer:

• People 18–49 years with specific underlying medical conditions
• Health care workers and front-line essential workers ages 18-64

NH+C follows CDC and MDH guidelines to prioritize appointments for booster shots.

Medical conditions specified by CDC for Pfizer booster shots:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic lung diseases (including COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension)
• Dementia or other neurological conditions
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, hypertension)
• HIV infection
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
• Liver disease
• Overweight and obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Smoking, current or former
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
• Substance use disorders

Occupations specified by CDC that may get a Pfizer booster shot:

• First responder (healthcare worker, firefighter, police, congregate care staff)
• Education staff (teacher, support staff, daycare worker)
• Food or agriculture worker
• Manufacturing worker
• Corrections worker
• U.S. Postal Service worker
• Public transit worker
• Grocery store worker

Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

We encourage eligible people to seek other options for a booster shot too. Vaccine is widely available in the community, including pharmacies . . . convenient, with no appointment at many locations. Find yours: vaccineconnector.mn.gov

People who have had two doses of Pfizer or Moderna (or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) are well-protected against hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Still need your first or second dose?

It’s important to get unvaccinated people protected against COVID-19. Appointments for first and second dose are available. Vaccination is FREE. Schedule your appointment: 507-646-8019.

Learn more: northfieldhospital.org/covid-19-vaccine

NH+C’s goal is to vaccinate people in our community as effectively and efficiently as possible with the resources we have. We are committed to serving all members of our community.