Polk County COVID-19 Vaccine Coalition and community partners have worked continuously over the past several months providing COVID-19 vaccines to community members, with more than 8,800 residents having received at least one dose of their vaccine.

The Polk County COVID-19 Vaccine Coalition and other provider locations are now preparing for providing booster vaccines to the public. The initial group of individuals are required to be moderately or severely immunocompromised prior to receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster. Individuals had to have completed the two-part series of either Moderna or Pfizer in order to receive the third dose.

According to the CDC, there is not enough information to determine if immunocompromised people who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have an improved antibody response. (Click here for CDC COVID-19 Booster Information for immunocompromised.).

Those who qualify as immunocompromised and are interested in obtaining a booster dose of one of Pfizer or Moderna can call 828-722-5086 to schedule an appointment with the Polk Vaccine Coalition Partner or walk-in to any pharmacy providing COVID-19 Vaccines.

In the coming months further booster vaccine criteria may develop for other members of the population.  To assist the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency and the COVID-19 Vaccine Coalition in determining the number of individuals in this process for the immunocompromised group, and later groups, Polk Health and Human Services Agency will be circulating a community survey to those already vaccinated. This survey is completely voluntary and is for those who are interested in receiving the booster. The information entered in the survey will be securely maintained by the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency and will be used only to help connect individuals with a vaccine booster location option in the near future.

With the COVID-19 Delta variant, the vaccine is more important now than ever before to prevent the spread. COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 testing are still available via appointment at the Polk County Division of Public Health. Community members are encouraged to continue to follow the NC DHHS guidance to practice frequent hand hygiene, wear your mask in public places in-doors, social distance when possible, and most importantly get vaccinated.

If you have any questions at this time or any time during the vaccine distribution period, please contact Polk County Health and Human Services Agency via their message line at (828) 722-5086.