COVID-19 shots are free to the public, there are no immigration requirements

By Staff Report

The Omicron variant is now dominant in the United States, causing 73 percent of new cases.

With the Omicron variant rapidly spreading throughout the world and the effectiveness of the initial COVID-19 vaccine series diminishing over time, Santa Clara County officials are strongly urging everyone eligible to obtain a booster shot right away.

“The Omicron variant is causing a rapid, massive spike in cases in other parts of the world, and booster vaccines are our best defense against that happening here too,” said Dr. Sara Cody, health officer and director of public health in Santa Clara County. “The quicker our community is vaccinated with the booster, the more likely we can avoid the worse-case scenarios related to the spread of Omicron.”

Booster shots are available, through appointments and drop-in availability, at many pharmacies, clinics, and mass vaccination locations. Everyone 16 and older who is six months out from their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two months out from their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is eligible for a booster shot. This is particularly urgent and critical for persons age 50 and older, and those with significant underlying health conditions.

To find a booster shot appointment or drop-in location, visit sccfreevax.org.

Currently, 44 percent of eligible county residents have received a booster. About 250,000 residents who are 50 years and older have yet to get their booster shot.

There have now been 10 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant reported to the Public Health Department and the Omicron variant has been detected in all four county wastewater treatment facilities, including the South Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant in Gilroy. Many more cases of Omicron are expected to be reported. Based on the exponential growth in cases being seen in Europe, there is a significant risk of exponential growth in COVID-19 cases in our region in the coming weeks.

Evidence suggests Omicron spreads more rapidly than other variants. Although some evidence suggests a lower percentage of people infected with Omicron may be hospitalized and die, if a surge causes many thousands of new cases per day, even a small percentage of that total entering hospitals will overwhelm healthcare delivery systems.

“Two shots are not enough anymore,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, COVID-19 Vaccine Officer, referring to the initial two-dose series for Pfizer and Moderna. “We know protection against infection from the vaccines declines over time, so booster doses are critical for everyone who was vaccinated at least six months ago.”

In addition to vaccinations and boosters, masking, testing, ventilation, and distancing remain an effective multi-layered defense against COVID-19. Officials noted that as the holiday season is upon us, people should stay mindful of risks and take steps to decrease them.

Vaccinations are no-cost to the public, insurance is not required, and there are no immigration requirements.

If people must travel or gather, the county recommends they:

  • Get tested before travel, upon return, and again 3-5 days later.
  • Have everyone ages 5 and older get their COVID vaccine and boosted if eligible.
  • Wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings.
  • Keep group gatherings small. Gather with close family units.
  • Take advantage of quick and easy home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.
  • Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings.
  • Be particularly cautious around elderly or immunocompromised individuals and consider COVID-19 testing before such interactions.

Parents of young children and those who have not been vaccinated should make sure to take all advised precautions. Avoid large gatherings. Always wear a mask in indoor public settings (unless younger than 2).