The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its recommendations to allow children ages five to 11 to receive a booster shot of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series. This would be a third dose for healthy children and a fourth dose for children with compromised immune systems.
In addition, the CDC is strengthening its recommendation that those 12 and older with compromised immune systems and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first.
This news comes as COVID-19 infections are continuing to rise across the country. Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time. According to the CDC, individuals are protected best from severe COVID-19 illness by staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. This includes getting all recommended boosters when eligible to further enhance or restore protection that might have decreased over time.
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Sutter Health Plus covers COVID-19 vaccines for our members, including additional doses or booster shots, even when administered out-of-network. Vaccinations are offered at multiple locations across the Sutter Health Plus service area. Members can check appointment availability through:
- Network pharmacies
- Sutter’s patient portal, My Health Online
- My Turn, California’s COVID-19 vaccine scheduling portal
- The Sutter Health COVID-19 Vaccine appointment line at 844-987-6115
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and Test Results
Members who received their COVID-19 vaccination(s) or testing with Sutter can view and share proof of their COVID-19 vaccination(s) or test results easily from My Health Online. After signing in, members can click the Menu button, scroll to My Record and select COVID-19 to view details. Visit Sutter’s COVID-19 Vaccine Resources page for more information.
Additionally, all members can go to California’s Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record site to get a link to a QR code and digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record.
Additional Resources
For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:
- Sutter Health Plus COVID-19 Coverage, Cost and Access to Care for health plan information and FAQs
- Sutter Health COVID-19 Resources for clinical information, a COVID-19 interactive screener, patient information, and more
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for federal guidance, U.S. data tracking, and public health information
- California Department of Public Health for California-specific alerts, data tracking, resources, and guidance
