Avelar Encourages CDC Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters for High Risk Groups

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – As COVID-19 continues to have a presence in our communities, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, wants to inform the at high-risk populations about the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) latest approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine.         

“For many Illinoisans, the fear of getting COVID-19 is still very real, especially for those who are older or already dealing with health problems,” Avelar said. “It is important for these high-risk groups to follow the advice of IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   The third booster shot they are recommending will provide extra protection against the virus and reduce hospitalizations.”

The CDC and IDPH recommend the following groups for the booster shots:

• People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings shouldreceive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary shots,
• People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions shouldreceive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary shots,
• People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions mayreceive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary shots, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting mayreceive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary shots, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Avelar’s district continues to test thousands of people each day, but with the new Delta variant of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to follow CDC guidelines to protect the community. Avelar encourages those who are eligible to receive the booster dose to talk to their primary care provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to set up an appointment.

“It is heartbreaking to see families suffer as a result of COVID-19, and even more heartbreaking to see those at high-risk in a constant state of worry because for them, getting COVID-19 could be a death sentence,” Avelar said. “As the fight for more COVID-19 resources continues, I want those eligible for the booster to protect themselves while we fight to protect them during session.”