(COLDWATER) – Michigan teens are now able to get a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Based on the new recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is offering Pfizer booster doses to all residents age 16 and 17.

Those who completed their Pfizer primary vaccine series with the second dose being at least 6 months ago are eligible for a booster dose.

CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says Michigan continues to have a surge in COVID cases. According to CDC data updated December 13, the current positivity rate is 22.7% in St. Joseph County, 24.2% in Branch County, and 30.8% in Hillsdale County. Burns says that hospitals in the tri-county area continue to report the patients who are cared for in the Intensive Care Units are nearly always unvaccinated.

There were 24 COVID related deaths in the area from December 1st through December 10th; 8 in St. Joseph County, 4 in Branch County and 12 in Hillsdale County. Burns says vaccination continues to be the best protection strategy against severe COVID illness and death.

To schedule your primary series or booster dose at the CHA office closest to you, go on line. Click Here. If you do not have access to the internet or need assistance, please call Your Local Health Department office and press option 7.