The ongoing push to get people vaccinated against COVID-19 has entered its third stage.

Public health officials, pharmacies and doctors' offices have started administering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. However, they come with stipulations, and not everyone is eligible.

Clay County Public Health Director Colette Rossiter admitted the rules can be somewhat confusing regarding the third shot of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine such as Moderna or Pfizer.

"It is recommended for some people with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had an organ transplant or those receiving cancer treatment," she explained. "People with weakened immune systems may not have built the same level of immunity to the two-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immune compromised. So this additional dose should improve the response their immune system has to their initial vaccine series."

The third dose is given at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, Rossiter said. The additional dose should be the same brand as the other two vaccine doses given.

A booster dose is given for a different

reason. Many vaccines have waning protection over time and need a boost to increase that protection again. Rossiter noted studies have found that to be a potential issue with COVID-19 vaccines, especially among those 65 and older.

Other specific at-risk groups such as residents in long-term care settings and people ages 50 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease should also receive a booster, according to the CDC.

"A booster dose is also available to people ages 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions and people ages 18 to 64 who have a job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19," Rossiter said. "It is important to note that these recommendations for booster doses are only for individuals who originally received the two-dose series of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The booster dose should be given at least six months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine."

The FDA was slated to meet this week regarding approval of booster doses for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. Once permitted, health officials will begin the third phase of those shots.

O'Brien County Public Health Director Kim Morran said people need to think of boosters like other vaccines.

"It has been proven that a person's antibodies wane with time," she said. "You could compare it to the flu vaccine, which is given annually. You do not keep full immunity to the flu nor do you to COVID."

Both Rossiter and Morran said the number of people seeking their first shot has been steady over the past month. Since Sept. 1, there have been approximately 350 first doses given to Clay County residents. Rossiter reported that approximately 300 school-age children 12 years and older have been vaccinated. In O'Brien County, Morran said 54 percent of youth in that age bracket have been vaccinated.

While vaccine rollout continues to plug along, both women reported that hesitancy and resistance remain strong among some segments of the population. Morran said people need to listen to their health care providers and infectious disease experts when making a decision about the vaccine.

"I would definitely educate them of the complications that can happen from acquiring COVID infection," she said. "The new Delta variant does seem to cause a more severe illness. Especially if you have underlying medical conditions, I would strongly urge people to get vaccinated."

Rossiter concurred, noting that people don't know what type of symptoms and long-term health repercussions they'll experience if they contract COVID-19 without being vaccinated.

Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health

"Vaccinations work," she said. "Each day that the pandemic continues is another day to gather more data and learn more details about the effectiveness of the vaccines, which provide protection against COVID-19, especially providing protection against severe illness which could lead to hospitalization and even death."

Vaccinations can be obtained by contacting your local public health office, doctor or pharmacy.