Older adults in Lincoln can get additional COVID-19 shot

Mar. 11—The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department on Monday announced that older adults can now receive a second dose of the current COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved the second dose recommendation for this age group.

Adults age 65 and over can receive the second dose at least four months after their first dose of the current vaccine, which was released in September.

"Older adults are more likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19. A second dose of this season's COVID-19 vaccine will help restore protection that has waned since fall," Health Director Pat Lopez said in a news release.

According to the CDC, people with weakened immune systems may also get additional doses of the current vaccine, and the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months to 64 years receive one dose.

Currently in Lancaster County, less than half of people 65 and older are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, although that is more than twice as high as the rate among people under age 65.

COVID-19 vaccine is available through many local pharmacies and some health care providers. Visit vaccines.gov to find pharmacy locations.

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