Just 48.6% of the 38,459 vaccinated Bartholomew County residents who meet federal criteria for a booster shot had gotten one as of this past Wednesday, the most recent data available from the Indiana Department of Health.
Overall, just under 23% of Bartholomew County’s total population has what public health experts have said are key to fighting the omicron variant, which officials fear could lead to more re-infections among those who have survived the virus, as well as more so-called “breakthrough” infections among the vaccinated.
And that doesn’t count the nearly 33,880 Bartholomew County residents who have not yet gotten vaccinated, according to state figures.
Currently, anyone ages 16 and up who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines six months ago, as well as anyone who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two months ago, are eligible for boosters, according to CDC recommendations.
“It is somewhat concerning that we are not at a higher percentage,” said Bartholomew County Health Officer Dr. Brian Niedbalski. “I’m hoping that after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, people will make it more of a priority.”
For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
