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

BETHESDA, MD — Booster shots, available at pharmacies and clinics in Bethesda, 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 Maryland.

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.

To get a booster shot in Bethesda, go to:

NOTE: These are locations offering vaccines according to Maryland's database. Please check the website or call ahead to see about availability.

CVS Bethesda - 7809 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

CVS Bethesda - 6917 Arlington Road Bethesda, MD 20814

CVS Bethesda - 4601-A Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816

CVS Bethesda - 10233 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814

CVS Chevy Chase - 6831 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Giant Food Bethesda - 7142 Arlington Road Bethesda, MD 20814

Giant Food Bethesda - 10400 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda MD 20814

Harris Teeter Bethesda -4805 Battery Lane Bethesda, MD 20814

Walgreens Bethesda - 6906 Arlington Rd Bethesda MD 20814

Safeway Bethesda - 5000 Bradley Blvd Bethesda MD 20815

Safeway Bethesda - 4701 Sangamore Road Bethesda MD 20816

Capitol Medical Group - 8401 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase MD 20815

Comprehensive Primary Care- Chevy Chase - 5530 Wisconsin Ave Suite 530 Chevy Chase MD 20815

Dedicated Medical Care - 5225 Pooks Hill Rd, Suite 1-A Bethesda, MD 20814

Kelly Goodman NP & Associates - 4701 Sangamore Rd, SuiteS207, Bethesda, MD 20895

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