Bay Area vaccine clinics see new demand as people seek 2nd COVID booster shots

ByCornell Barnard KGO logo
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Vaccine clinics see demand as people seek 2nd COVID boosters
Just days after the CDC gave approval those immunocompromised and 50 and older to get the shot, Bay Area vaccine clinics are seeing a lot of interest.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) -- Demand is growing across the Bay Area for a second COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Just days after the CDC gave approval for certain age groups to get the shot, vaccine clinics are seeing a lot of interest.

Gerlinde Semone wasted no time getting her second COVID booster shot because she's got a lot of living to catch up on with her family.

"I have two grandchildren and I see them often, my husband and I have tried to get as many as possible," Semone said.

A former Victoria's Secret store is now a county vaccine clinic inside the Northgate Mall in San Rafael where most people now are looking for that fourth shot. Online appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

"I have risk factors, I wanted to make sure I was covered," Robert Hancock said.

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Hancock just got his second booster.

"I'm ready to party now," he said.

On Tuesday, the CDC recommended an additional booster for immunocompromised people and those over 50 who got their first booster at least four months ago.

"They say the boosters we got before are wearing off, data is showing so I want to get a booster now," said Richard Fichter.

Booster clinics were also happening at Marin Community Clinics. Health department officials say for those who are eligible, getting the shot sooner than later is best, instead of waiting for next surge to happen.

VIDEO: SF doctor says 2nd COVID booster may have 'no increased effectiveness' in certain groups

With it now authorized by both the CDC and the FDA, some Bay Area counties started giving out second coronavirus booster shots on Wednesday.

"It's hard to predict when next variant will pop up or how fast it will move, we also know it takes time for boosters to work to their full potential," said Marin County Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis.

For now, Willis is recommending those 65 and older get a second booster.

We found nurse Linda Brosh getting hers.

"I worked as a COVID nurse in 2021 for the health department so I understand the importance of vaccines," she said.

Vaccination rates in Marin County are among the highest in the Nation. 92% of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.

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