By Olivia Lewis
Detroiters who received their first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer coronavirus vaccines six months ago are now eligible for a third dose through the City of Detroit.
Mayor Mike Duggan announced the City has 30,000 doses of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines that will be distributed at the TCF Center beginning Tuesday. The announcement comes just days after the City asked Detroiters, even those who have received two doses of the vaccine, to continue wearing face masks at indoor public spaces. Health officials nationwide have cautioned about a Delta variant of the coronavirus that continues to spread from person to person.
The third dose is optional but heavily encouraged and does not require a doctor’s prescription.
Detroiters seeking a third dose of the vaccine must call to make an appointment and will receive the same brand as their first two shots. The FDA approved the third dose of Moderna and Pfizer last Thursday, followed by the CDC on Friday. Neither the FDA nor the CDC have approved a third dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
“Every Detroiter who wants to act to protect your health, the City of Detroit is going to help you,” Duggan said during a press conference Monday morning.
The City has reported the vaccine’s effectiveness drops to about 84% six months after an initial dose of the vaccine. The vaccine significantly decreases an individual’s chances of hospitalization, though they are still able to contract and spread coronavirus.
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