The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has recently recommended booster shots for adolescents that are 16 or 17 years old. The CDC states that initial data help suggest that boosters strengthen protection against Omicron. 

Guthrie County Health Services Director Jotham Arber says it is important that everyone talk with their physician before getting a booster. 

“Their physicians may not want them to get the booster shot because not everyone can be vaccinated. That’s why when we first started vaccinating, we were trying to get as many people vaccinated as possible so that those folks who can’t be vaccinated have some protection as well.”

Arber says seeking consistent annual care from medical providers is important to catching things early. Arbers states only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17.