Community members and a physician weigh in on newest COVID booster shot

JACKSON, Tenn. (WNBJ) - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending an additional COVID-19 booster for certain individuals. Siting that data continues to show that vaccination and booster doses do protect individuals both from infection and severe outcomes of covid.

With the news of the latest COVID booster available for certain groups, many are weighing in on whether they should get the shot or not. 39 News talked to medical professionals and community members about the newest recommendation from the CDC.

“I’ve had everything you can get; I think. I’ve got both the shoots early from Moderna. I’ve got both the boosters and so now with the new one coming out I guess I’ll take that one too. I just get to thinking what all you can do to stay alive,” said Tom Mapes, a Jackson resident

One Jackson resident who is 81 years old says he will get the newest booster to continue practicing preventative measures against COVID.

“I’ve been blessed! Neither my wife or myself had COVID during all that time. So, I think well, I am on the right trail, and I’ll just keep in the same direction, just keep going,” said Mapes.

Brenda Douglas owns Golden Years Adult Daycare in Jackson and she talks about how they are reacting to the newest booster.

“Here at Golden Years, I encourage boosters. However, it is not mandatory here. Most of my clients, 95% have had their COVID shot and at least 50% have had the first booster,” said Brenda Douglas, the owner of Golden Years Adult Daycare.

Douglas says it was mandatory for her staff to get the initial COVID vaccine but it is the staff member’s decision whether to get the boosters.

Dr. Kevin Stephens, the Chief Medical Officer with UnitedHealthcare of the Midsouth talks the groups who are eligible for the newest booster.

“We are recommending the booster shot for people who are over the age of 50 and some immunocompromised because we know that people who have gotten the booster are 21 times less likely to die from COVID-19,” said Dr. Kevin Stephens, the Chief Medical Officer with UnitedHealthcare of the Midsouth.

You can get your boosters at the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.