It will take time for everyone now eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine to get one. The CDC and FDA recommend Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters for people aged 65 and older and other high-risk groups six months after the initial vaccination series. Those eligible for boosters approved on September 23, 2021, include people with underlying medical conditions between 50 and 64 years old. Glacial Ridge Health System staff are committed to giving these additional vaccines as soon as feasible and request your patience. GRHS asks that people not call for a booster shot.

Imagine what happens when thousands of people locally anticipate a big announcement and hundreds begin calling the same number when it is official. Additionally, calls are coming in about the flu vaccine, covid testing, clinic appointments, etc. To provide the community with the highest-quality and timeliest care possible, here’s our plan for administering the additional vaccines.

RECEPTION STAFF WILL BE CALLING ELIGIBLE PATIENTS WHO RECEIVED THEIR COVID VACCINE IN GLENWOOD. To be fair and equitable, we are calling patients to schedule in the order that they received their COVID vaccines. Please note it may take several weeks before all eligible patients in our community can get their booster dose.

It’s a complicated path.

By the numbers, the COVID booster shots are in addition to thousands of annual influenza vaccines and new COVID vaccine doses that medical staff at GRHS are giving. The FDA and CDC are expected to approve and recommend the COVID vaccine for younger children in the coming months. Additionally, booster doses being approved for patients who received the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine may be on the horizon. Similar to the initial COVID vaccine availability and roll-out, Glacial Ridge Hospital and Glenwood Medical Center staff are doing everything they can to help patients get vaccinated.

Seeking to begin the COVID Vaccine series?

Anyone who has NOT RECEIVED a COVID VACCINE is encouraged to get both doses in the initial series. The number for COVID vaccination at Glenwood Medical Center is 320.221.3131. A receptionist will call you back to schedule.

When can you get a flu shot?

The drive-thru flu shot clinics from last year were well received and are planned. The first ones begin this week. GRHS uses all media to communicate when these are; please watch for details and refrain from calling. Patients with clinic appointments with a provider can conveniently get their flu vaccine at the same time.

Additional Resources for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), About the COVID Vaccine

Uncertain about the COVID-19 vaccine? GRHS medical staff are confident, and here’s why.

COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts including FAQs such as: What’s in the vaccine? If I had COVID, why do I need the shot?

How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly? And other FAQs from John Hopkins Medicine.

Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and scientific understanding, guidelines and recommendations may have changed since the original publication date.