SACRAMENTO (KCBS) - Health officials are encouraging all Californians to receive a COVID-19 booster shot even though the decision has yet to be approved by the CDC.
A news conference, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, was held at the West Los Angeles Veterans Center on Wednesday to highlight ongoing efforts to increase vaccination rates and promote booster shots.
"Now is the best time to consider getting the shot," California Health Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said. "Get that added protection for the Thanksgiving gathering that you may attend. Certainly going into the other winter holidays it is important."
Current rules outlined by the CDC state that people who are 65 years and older, 50 to 64 years old with underlying medical conditions or 18 years and older who live in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot at least 6 months after getting the vaccine, but California is looking to extend these parameters.
"If you think you will benefit from getting a booster shot, I encourage you to go out and get it. Supply is available," Ghaly said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health instructed doctors to not turn any patient seeking a booster away if the patient "is 18 or over and has met the six month original vaccination series time period for the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine."
Providing some sobering encouragement, Ghaly reminded Californians that not only are you five times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated, but you are also 20 times more likely to die.
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