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Your Health is Our #1 Priority

As we continue to receive updates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, we want you and your family to feel assured that our physicians, nurses, and staff will continue to do everything possible to keep you healthy, safe and informed.

We’re in this together

This may be an unprecedented time, but we have experienced many of these since CHRISTUS was founded 154 years ago. In fact, the first three Sisters who started our ministry in Galveston faced an epidemic of Yellow Fever within the first six months of opening the very first hospital.

Epidemics and tragedies have been part of our history, and so too has the resolve, after each of those challenges, to move on in love and service to those in need. We stand today in a rich history that gives us confidence that, with God’s help, we can do the same.

We are answering the call to help our community – today and tomorrow. In all that we do, we are devoted to keeping you, your families, our caregivers and our Associates safe

COVID-19 Vaccine

The vaccine is still our greatest defense in the fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 Vaccine booster shot serves the purpose of not only strengthening that protection but also safeguarding you against new variants of the virus. Getting vaccinated not only protects you and your family it is also protects others around you.

On August 23, 2021, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccines are still approved through emergency use authorization. The emergency use authorization is still in effect for the Pfizer vaccine to be used for children age 12-15.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

Why are COVID-19 boosters needed?

It’s common for protection from vaccines to decrease over time or not be as strong against virus’ variants. A tetanus booster, for example, is recommended every 10 years and flu shots are given every year. Researchers and health officials have been monitoring the real-world performance of the COVID-19 vaccines to see how long protection lasts among vaccinated people. The vaccines authorized in the U.S. continue to offer very strong protection against severe disease and death. Tests suggest that antibodies—one of the immune system’s layers of protection—can wane over time. That does not mean the vaccine protection goes away, but it could mean that the protection is not as strong and it could take longer for the body to fight back against an infection. COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are used to provide a boost to your immune system so it can better defend against the virus.
Does CHRISTUS Health Plan recommend COVID-19 boosters?

CHRISTUS Health Plan is in agreeance with the CDC and the FDA about the booster dose. For additional information, please visit the CDC and the FDA sites.
Who should be receiving the booster vaccine at this time?
The CDC recommends COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
Does needing a booster shot mean my vaccine isn’t protecting me?

Your initial vaccination is still protecting you, however the protection it is offering you is likely less than early after you were initially vaccinated. A booster after eight months prevents waning effectiveness and is consistent with other vaccines like influenza, tetanus, etc.
Are boosters safe?

Yes, the booster shot is the same as your original vaccine which has been one of the most effective and safest vaccines in history.
Why should I get the vaccine if I have to receive a booster later?

Vaccines are the most effective way to fight infection, prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19 and also limit the spread of COVID-19. Boosters are common across all vaccine types.

Your Health is Our #1 Priority

We’re in this together

COVID-19 Vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

Why are COVID-19 boosters needed?

Does CHRISTUS Health Plan recommend COVID-19 boosters?

Who should be receiving the booster vaccine at this time?

Does needing a booster shot mean my vaccine isn’t protecting me?

Are boosters safe?

Why should I get the vaccine if I have to receive a booster later?