Time is running out to get full coronavirus protection before Christmas

COLOMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Christmas is just over two weeks away, and health officials are encouraging people to get the coronavirus vaccine so they are protected during the holidays.

More people became eligible to receive booster shots after the FDA on Thursday cleared the booster of Pfizer / BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for 16 and 17 year olds.

Health experts say boosters take up to two weeks to take full effect, leaving just a few days to get vaccinated and be fully protected before Christmas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities continue to promote boosters as the best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus, especially before holiday gatherings.

According to Department of Health and Seniors Services, more than 800,000 people received a booster shot in Missouri. The CDC reports that 48.9 million people nationwide have received a recall. Most daily injections in Missouri are now reminders, as the vaccination rate continues to sit at just over 50%.

Recently, there has been a sharp increase in booster injections in the United States. The White House said 2.2 million shots were administered as of Thursday, including 1 million recalls. It was the highest single-day shooting total since May.

Injections are available at pharmacies and in many doctor’s offices.

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