COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Benicia

BENICIA, CA — Booster shots, available at more than a dozen pharmacies and clinics in Napa County, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials.

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant — infections among the vaccinated — are less common among people who have received their third vaccination shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, has been detected in all but a handful of U.S. states.

California reported its first case of the omicron variant on Dec. 1; as of Dec. 15, there were 49 confirmed cases associated with the omicron variant reported to the state.

As of publication time, it was not clear whether there have been any confirmed cases of the omicron variant in Solano County. Napa County, Sonoma County and Contra Costa County have all reported at least one confirmed omicron COVID-19 case.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots work well against the omicron variant and that there’s no need for a specific vaccine to fight it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the omicron variant is likely to become the dominant coronavirus strain in the coming weeks. It currently represents 3 percent of new infections.

Public health officials are concerned that vaccination rates — currently 61 percent of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated, and only 28 percent have gotten booster shots — are insufficient to fend off a fifth wave of the coronavirus. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing, with about 120,000 new cases and 1,200 deaths reported each day, mainly from the delta variant.

Where Benicia Residents Can Get A COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

Benicia residents are encouraged to check with their health care provider about vaccine availability or schedule an appointment at their nearest pharmacy that administers booster doses, including Urgent Care & Telehealth, Walmart, Safeway, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens.

Benicia residents can also visit Solano County's COVID-19 Vaccine Information page or call the Solano County Vaccine Assistance Line at 707-784-8655.

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and help prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.