Former Comal Health Authority Says Booster Shots Will Arrive in September
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Former Comal County Health Authority and family practicioner Dr. Dorothy Overman on Facebook today said booster shots for those immunized by Moderna or Pfizer vaccines will be available by September.
Residents should get the same vaccine as a booster of what they originally received. Current guidance for getting a booster is eight months after receiving the last vaccine, but that could change.
“Right now boosters (third dose) of Moderna or Pfizer is available for patients who have significant immune suppression such as on chemotherapy for cancer, organ-transplant patients, and HIV,” Overman said.
She said hospitals statewide — including local hospitals — are overwhelmed with COVID patients. Children’s hospitals are filling up, too.
“The emergency rooms are struggling,” Overman said. “If you need emergency care it is the right place to go but expect wait times and be kind. Of the patients admitted and in ICU, over 90% are not vaccinated. Please get a vaccine if you have not.”
Outpatient urgent-care facilities and private physician offices also are struggling with the high volume of calls and visits related to COVID.
“If you test positive you do need to talk to a medical provider,” Overman said. “If you have risk factors you will qualify for an IV infusion of monoclonal antibody treatment. Doctors need to order this. Treatment early may keep you out of the hospital.”
ABOUT DR. OVERMAN
Dr. Dorothy Overman served as Comal County’s health authority for over 25 years and became the area’s most trusted source for information about COVID-19. She stepped down last November due to workload in her family practice, Hill Country Medical Associates, now Christus Trinity Clinic.
As a consultant to the county, she worked with the Office of Public Health and Texas Department of State Health Services on diseases affecting the community, disease prevention, public education, sheltering of evacuees and disaster preparedness.
She posts regular updates about COVID-19 in Comal County on her Facebook page, New Braunfels COVID19 Community Info.
