COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Pinole, Hercules

PINOLE AND HERCULES, CA — Booster shots, available from at least five pharmacies and clinics in Pinole and Hercules, 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.

Contra Costa County confirmed its first three omicron-variant cases Monday. Two of the Contra Costa residents sickened were fully vaccinated, though none of the three received a booster shot nor had they been hospitalized as of Monday, Contra Costa Health Services said in a statement.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots worked well against the omicron variant

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.

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

As of Friday, 31.9 percent of eligible Contra Costa residents had received a booster, and approximately 246,000 residents 50 and older had yet to get their booster shot.

Who Can Get Booster Shots?

Here's what to know about who can get booster shots, according to Contra Costa Health Services.

Many people 16 and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster for maximum protection against the virus. People 18 and older may choose any brand of vaccine for their booster. Teens 16-17 can only get Pfizer for their booster.

Who Can Get The Pfizer Booster?

Booster shots are available to people 16 and older if it has been at least six months since their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. People 18 and older may choose any brand of vaccine for their booster. Teens 16-17 can only get Pfizer for their booster.

Who Can Get The Moderna Booster?

Booster shots are available to people 18 and older if it has been at least six months since their second dose of the Moderna vaccine. People can choose any brand of vaccine for their booster.

Who Can Get The Johnson & Johnson Booster?

Anyone 18 or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine if at least two months have passed since they were first vaccinated.

Where To Get Booster Shots In, Near Pinole And Hercules

Residents of Pinole and Hercules can contact their health care provider or local pharmacy for a booster dose. Walmart, Safeway, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens are among the pharmacies offering booster shots.

Residents can make an appointment online for a booster shot through a Contra Costa Health Services clinic or call 833-829-2626 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Contra Costa County vaccine clinics near Pinole and Hercules include:

• West County Health Center, 13601 San Pablo Ave., San Pablo
• George & Cynthia Miller Wellness Center, 25 Allen St., Martinez
• North Richmond Center for Health, 1501 Fred Jackson Way, Richmond
• Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond

Walk-ins are accepted at the clinics as time and vaccine supply allows.