COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Smyrna, Vinings

SMYRNA-VININGS, GA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies and clinics in Smyrna-Vinings, 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 states, including Georgia.

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.

Each vaccine manufacturer has different rules for booster shots:

• Pfizer-BioNTech: Those age 16 and older are eligible for a booster six months or more after their initial two-dose series.
• Moderna: Those age 18 and older are eligible for a booster six months or more after their initial two-dose series.
• J&J: Those age 18 and older are eligible for a booster two months or more after their initial vaccine.

To get a booster shot in Smyrna or Vinings, go to:

Smyrna Public Health Center
3001 South Cobb Drive, Smyrna
770-514-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Appointments recommended, but not required. To book an appointment, visit this link.

Walgreens
2390 S. Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
2670 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna
4371 S. Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
2498 Cumberland Parkway SE, Atlanta
Appointments required. To book an appointment, visit Walgreens.com.

Kroger Pharmacy
3240 S. Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
4715 Atlanta Road SE, Atlanta
Appointments required. To book an appointment, visit kroger.com.

CVS Pharmacy
2994 Atlanta Road, Smyrna
485 Concord Road SE, Smyrna
2201 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna
4345 S. Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
4300 Paces Ferry Road SE, Suite 170, Atlanta
Appointments available but not required. To book an appointment, visit CVS.com.

Publix Pharmacy
2955 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna
4480 S. Cobb Drive SE, Smyrna
2451 Cumberland Parkway SE, Atlanta
Appointments available, but not required. To book an appointment, visit publix.com/covid-vaccine.

Walmart
2909 Austell Road SW, Suite 100, Marietta
Appointments available, but not required. To book an appointment, visit walmart.com.

Costco
2900 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta
Appointments available, but not required. To book an appointment, visit costco.com. You must be a Costco member to use the pharmacy.

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and helped prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases. Check vaccine availability online at vaccines.gov.