COVID-19 Booster Shots: Are You Eligible?

Booster shots exist to fortify the defenses established by the initial vaccine, and can offer added protection that, in an ideal world, will help you stay healthy.

With the CDC's guidelines around COVID-19 booster shots expanding, countless South Carolinians are now eligible for an additional shot, though the exact requirements and timelines associated with getting that shot vary based on your original vaccine brand.

So, what does all of this mean for you?

If you have completed any COVID-19 vaccine regimen in the past year, whether the brand was Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, then you may be eligible for a booster.

Let's explore the eligibility requirements in further detail.

COVID-19 Booster Shot Requirements

Pfizer & Moderna

Anyone who has completed the double-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine regimens, and belongs to one of the high-risk groups listed below, can get a booster shot at least 6 months after getting their initial vaccines.

Eligible High-Risk Groups

  • Anyone age 65+
  • Anyone age 18+ living in a long-term care facility
  • Anyone age 18+ living with an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes
  • Anyone age 18+ working in a high-risk setting; these settings could include, but are not limited to:
    • Correctional facilities
    • Factories
    • Fire departments
    • Grocery stores
    • Hospitals
    • Police departments
    • Schools

For more settings that could qualify as high risk, we recommend visiting the Booster Shot webpage on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's (DHEC's) website.

Johnson & Johnson

Anyone 18 years of age or older who has completed the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine regimen can get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccine.

There are no additional requirements for Johnson & Johnson recipients to get a booster shot.

Where Can I Get a Booster Shot?

Booster shots are available at the following Hawthorne Pharmacy locations. Click on the pharmacy nearest you for more information.

Aiken

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently being stocked. We are administering primary vaccinations and boosters. No appointment is required. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. Please call us at 803-648-2985 if you have any questions.

Camden

Moderna only. Appointments required. Patients, please call us at 803-425-8378 to be added to the list. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you.

Columbia - Laurel Street

At the moment, we do not offer COVID vaccines. We are receiving a shipment soon. Please check back for updates.

Columbia - Taylor Street

Moderna and Pfizer only. Walk-ins are welcome for Moderna, but appointments are required for Pfizer (and are typically only available on Fridays). Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. Please call us at 803-256-3440 if you have any questions.

Lugoff

Moderna only. Patients, please call us at 803-408-9589 to be added to the list. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. 

Pelion

Moderna only. No appointment is required. Please plan to arrive Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., or on Saturdays 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. Please call us at 803-894-4010 if you have any questions.

Winnsboro

Moderna only. No appointment is required. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. Please call us at 803-635-3565 if you have any questions.

West Columbia

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson only. No appointment is required. Make sure to bring your vaccination card with you. Please call us at 803-794-7990 if you have any questions.

A Note on Mix-and-Match Dosing

The latest vaccine guidelines allow for mix-and-match dosing. This means that you can choose a different vaccine brand for your booster than the brand you initially received.

For example, if you received Moderna vaccines over 6 months ago, and you belong to a high-risk group, then you can elect to receive the Pfizer booster that is available now through Hawthorne.

We know that all of this can be very confusing, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need some other kind of support. Our knowledgeable, committed team of pharmacy experts are eager to help you in whatever ways we can.

Visit one of our locations or get in touch today.

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