Pfizer Vaccine Booster Doses Authorized for Individuals Ages 16-17
On December 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

On November 19, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for administration to all individuals 18 years of age and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. The new action expands the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of a primary series of the Pfizer vaccine.

The FDA-authorized Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are the only COVID-19 vaccines currently available for the 16- and 17- year-old age group. Individuals who are 16 and 17 years of age should only receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as their booster dose.

“Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “As people gather indoors with family and friends for the holidays, we can’t let up on all the preventive public health measures that we have been taking during the pandemic. With both the delta and omicron variants continuing to spread, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19.” 
Thinking about getting a booster shot? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Everyone age 16 and older can receive a booster shot. If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you can get a booster at least 6 months after completing your initial vaccination series.
  • Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine can receive a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccination.
  • Individuals 18+ may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Individuals 16-17 years old should only receive the Pfizer vaccine as a booster dose.
  • Consult your doctor or health care provider if you are not sure which vaccine brand is best for you.

To schedule a booster shot close to home, call CVS in Lexington at 660.259.2258.
Your Choice to #GetTheShot Protects Your Community
Help Us Spread the Word!
HCC Network and REACH Healthcare Foundation have collaborated with Grace Advertising to create a free-to-use toolkit to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations in rural Lafayette County. The toolkit features social media graphics and captions available in English and Spanish, tailored for rural Missourians. Feel free to use the Rural Vaccines Toolkit to promote vaccine confidence! We need your help to spread the word.
COVID in Missouri:
Omicron Has Arrived, But Delta Still Reigns
On December 3, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) was notified of the state’s first case of the newest COVID-19 variant, Omicron. The variant has been classified as a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization.

The transmissibility and disease severity caused by Omicron are still unknown, though it is expected to spread more easily than the original virus. It is expected that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Scientists are also studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, as is true with the Delta variant, but breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people are likely to occur.

According to DHSS, the Delta variant is still the predominant variant present in Missouri, representing well over 99% of cases. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Missouri citizens are encouraged to complete their COVID-19 primary vaccination as well as receive a booster dose, if eligible.

Everyone five years and older is highly encouraged to protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. On December 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine to include administration of a single booster dose in individuals 16 and 17 years of age, at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine.

Missourians should also take the opportunity to get their annual influenza vaccination as part of their risk reduction activities to protect themselves and others from seasonal respiratory illness. Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri at MOStopsCovid.com.
Omicron: What We Know
When and where did it originate?
On November 24, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529, was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). This new variant was first detected in specimens collected on November 11 in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa.

On November 26, WHO named the B.1.1.529 Omicron and classified it as a Variant of Concern (VOC). On November 30, the U.S. designated Omicron as a Variant of Concern, and on December 1, the first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified.

How easily does Omicron spread? 
The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Will Omicron cause more severe illness? 
More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.

Will vaccines work against Omicron? 
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.

With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Will treatments work against Omicron? 
Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.

Is Omicron more of a threat than Delta or other variants?
Despite the increased attention of Omicron, Delta continues to be the main variant circulating in the United States.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
Book Your Well Woman Appointment with HCC Today
Each year, more than 13,200 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer (cancer that has spread from the surface of the cervix to tissue deeper in the cervix or to other body parts) and more than 4,200 die from the disease.

You might be at an increased risk for cervical cancer if you are a woman who:

  • Is over 30 and have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that hasn’t cleared. HPV is a common sexually-transmitted virus that can cause at least six types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
  • Began having sex at an early age.
  • Has multiple sex partners.
  • Does not have regular cervical screenings.
  • Smokes.
  • Uses birth control pills for a long time.
  • Has weakened immune systems, such as women who have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Is overweight or obese.
  • Has a close relative, such as a sister or mother, who has had cervical cancer.
  • Was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.


HCC Network proudly offers a variety of well woman services and exams, including cervical cancer screenings. Contact a Community Health Center near you to schedule an appointment, even if you are uninsured.
HCC Mobile Units Strive to Bring Health Care to All
HCC Network’s new mobile units are bridging the access gap in health care. In addition to their existing medical van, the organization recently acquired a dental unit and a second medical unit to be used for behavioral health. HCC Outreach Coordinator Rhiannon Lovercamp partners with facilities and individuals in need of services to coordinate schedules and bring health care to more people across rural Missouri.

Lovercamp has always had a passion for helping people in her community. Prior to joining HCC, she worked in various health care facilities including urgent care and pain management. Now, she identifies areas where services may be difficult to access and works to continuously expand the number of locations and people served by the mobile units.

Though she’s only been in the role a few months, she’s seen firsthand the impact mobile health care units have on rural communities. “People are so grateful when we come to visit them and provide services,” she said. “It makes it really easy for them and it’s rewarding to see how thankful people can be.”
Didn't Qualify for Medicaid Before?
Check Again: The Rules Have Changed
High costs of insurance, among other barriers, have historically prevented hardworking rural residents and their families from securing primary health care.

However, routine health and dental appointments improve overall wellbeing and can prevent future disease onset. Risk of medical debt shouldn’t put you or your family at risk of health complications.

Thanks to rural voters like yourself, Missouri Medicaid has expanded to bring affordable health care coverage to more people.
Low-cost and free insurance is now available for adults 19-64 years old, people with disabilities, and more through MO HealthNet.

For help determining eligibility and enrolling in Missouri Medicaid, contact Shelly Harden at 660.214.2869.
Upcoming Webinars
Pediatric Readiness in Rural and Underserved Communities

Dec. 14, 2021
Re-envisioning Rural America: Supporting Asset-Based Rural Investment and Capacity Building

Dec. 14, 2021
Agricultural Community QPR for Farmers and Farm Families

Dec. 15, 2021
On-The-Spot Discussion Panel on Behavioral Health Equity and Prevention

Dec. 15, 2021
Vaccines in Rural America: A Cornerstone of Patient Care

Dec. 15, 2021
Community Health Worker Virtual Technical Assistance

Dec. 15, 2021

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