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High demand for COVID booster shots leads to longer wait times

Some in Northeast Ohio who aren't willing to wait are driving long distances.

CLEVELAND — It's hard to miss the bright red letters plastered across a strip mall just off Broadway Avenue.

Broadway Pharmacy is well known to neighbors, but has recently been most popular with new customers.

"A lot of the people coming in for their booster doses are not from the area," owner Amer Najjar told 3News. "We're getting people from far west and east ... North Olmstead, North Royalton."

RELATED: More coronavirus coverage from 3News

People like Sean Nagelski, who drove in from Solon for his pre-Christmas COVID-19 booster shot.

"Took a little bit of looking at pharmacies that were close to me, but they weren't available any time or date that I was able to work," Nagelski said. "This was about the fourth or fifth option I looked at."

Minus our interview, Nagelski was in and out in about 10 minutes, a short amount of time compared to his commute. Still, he says he'd do it again.

"I'm happy that I'm able to protect myself and protect my family for the holidays," he stated.

While boosters are popular, University Hospitals is also seeing others stepping up to be vaccinated. Officials say its "kind of a mix between those getting their first doses right now and people getting their boosters."

Najjar is confident that in a few weeks, finding an appointment will be much easier. His advice?

"If you got the first two shots, there's no reason not to get the booster."

COVID-19 IN OHIO: State reports 4,922 new cases in the last 24 hours

RELATED: Rising blood pressure in adults tied to COVID-19 pandemic, according to Cleveland Clinic study

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