COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Update

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(Latest Update – as of 04/11/22)

The CDC has issued a recommendation on receiving a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. These recommendations only apply to people who previously received the primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine). People can discuss with their healthcare provider on whether getting an additional COVID-19 booster shot is appropriate.

What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Booster shot:

It is recommended to stay up to date with vaccinations for the best protection against the virus.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect people from the severe effects of the coronavirus—especially people who have received a booster shot.
CDC recommends individuals 12 years and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Some people can receive two boosters.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have specific COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including recommendations for a booster. Please click here to learn about the specific recommendations.

Choosing Your Booster:
Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations. Please click here to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Who Can Get a Booster

PRIMARY SERIES COVID-19 VACCINE

Pfizer-BioNTech

Who should get one booster:
Everyone 12 years and older

Who can get a second booster:
Adults 50 years and older

When to get your booster:
At least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

If eligible for a second booster, at least 4 months after your first booster

Which booster can you get:

Adults 18 years and older should get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for the first booster in most* situations
The second booster must be an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
Teens 12–17 years old may only get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster

PRIMARY SERIES COVID-19 VACCINE

Moderna

Who should get one booster:
Adults 18 years and older

Who can get a second booster:
Adults 50 years and older

When to get your booster:
At least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series

If eligible for a second booster, at least 4 months after your first booster

Which booster can you get:
For the first booster, an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is preferred in most* situations

The second booster must be an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

PRIMARY SERIES COVID-19 VACCINE

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen*

Who should get a booster:
Adults 18 years and older

Who can get a second booster:
Anyone who received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for both their primary dose and booster
Adults 50 years and older who first received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of what type of booster they received

When to get your booster:
At least 2 months after receiving your J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination

If eligible for a second booster, at least 4 months after your first booster

Which booster can you get:
For the first booster, an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is preferred in most* situations

The second booster must be an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

Note: * Although mRNA vaccines are preferred for the first booster, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.

Source: CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html