Teens ages 16 and 17 can now get booster shots in Johnson County and around Kansas City

Natalie Wallington
·3 min read

The state of Kansas is recommending that all 16 and 17-year-olds get a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens ages 16 and 17 can now get boosters from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment as well as clinics and pharmacies around Kansas City.

What’s the new guidance?

The CDC approved COVID-19 booster shots for teenagers age 16 or 17 on Dec. 9. Previous guidance recommended booster shots for all fully vaccinated adults, but not for teens or children. Currently, only Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations are approved for use on those under the age of 18.

What does that mean for Kansas City?

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommended booster shots for 16 and 17 year olds on Friday, Dec. 10, one day after the CDC guidance was released. The state of Missouri has not yet adopted the new federal guidelines — we’ll let you know when they do.

For now, local health departments in Missouri can’t give boosters to teens until the state government gives the green light. However, Missouri teens can still get boosters at private clinics and pharmacies.

“With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the state and the rise of the Omicron variant, we encourage all eligible Kansans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot,” said Janet Stanek, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in a Dec. 10 statement.

Teens are eligible for a Pfizer booster shot six months after their initial round of vaccinations is complete.

Where can teens get booster shots around Kansas City?

Many private clinics, urgent care facilities and pharmacies are offering booster shots in and around Kansas City. Find one near you here.

Johnson County’s health department began vaccinating teens on Dec. 13 at its COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at 6000 Lamar Ave. in Mission.

“We are pleased to be able to offer more of our population booster shots that will protect them from severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Sanmi Areola, director of the JCDHE.

Here’s where else to find boosters for teens in the area:

Who else can get vaccine boosters?

In addition to 16 and 17-year-olds, those over the age of 18 originally vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna shots are eligible for a booster shot six months after their second dose. Adults who received Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine are eligible for a booster shot two months after their original dose.

The CDC recommends that you get one if you are eligible, and early research shows that boosters may help fight against the omicron variant. In order to have maximum protection before gathering for the holidays, experts recommend getting the shot as soon as possible.

Check The Star’s guide to booster shots in the Kansas City area for more information on how to make an appointment. COVID-19 booster shots are free of charge and do not require health insurance.

Do you have more questions about vaccination guidelines or staying safe from COVID-19 in the Kansas City area? Our Service Journalism team is here to help. Reach out to us at kcq@kcstar.com or fill out the form below.