COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Studio City

STUDIO CITY, CA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies and clinics in Studio City, 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 California.

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.

Here are some locations that offer booster shots near Studio City:

• Rite Aid, 10989 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604
• Ralph's Pharmacy, 12842 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, 91604
• Total Testing Solutions, 4385 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, 91601

Visit the county's website to schedule a booster shot near you.

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

You can also make an appointment in Los Angeles County to get tested ahead of the holidays. Visit the website to schedule an appointment or find a location for walk-in testing.