COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Update

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COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots Update

(Latest Update – as of 07/13/22)

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:

  • COVID-19 vaccine boosters can enhance or restore protection that might have decreased over time after your primary series vaccination.
  • It is recommended to stay up to date with vaccinations for the best protection against the virus.
  • 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.
  • >It is never too late to get the added protection offered by a COVID-19 booster. Please click here to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.

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.

Who Can Get a Booster:

Recommended - 1 Booster:

Learn when you should get your 1st booster below.

Recommended – 2 Boosters:


When to Get a Booster:

Adults ages 18 years and older

Pfizer-BioNTech

1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]

  • Most people, at least 5 months after the final dose in the primary series
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 3 months after the final dose in the primary series

2nd Booster:

CDC recommends a 2nd booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the 1st booster for:

  • Adults ages 50 years and older
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Moderna

1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]

  • Most people, at least 5 months after the final dose in the primary series
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 3 months after the final dose in the primary series

2nd Booster:

CDC recommends a 2nd booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the 1st booster for:

  • Adults ages 50 years and older
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen*

1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]

  • Most people, at least 2 months after the primary dose of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 2 months after the additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

2nd Booster:

CDC recommends a 2nd booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the 1st booster for:

  • Adults ages 50 years and older
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

* Note: People ages 18 through 49 years who received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for both their primary dose and booster can choose to get a 2nd booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after their 1st booster. The 2nd booster is not required to be considered up to date for people ages 18 through 49 years who got a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for both their primary dose and 1st booster.


Children and Teens ages 12–17 years

Pfizer-BioNTech

1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for: [1]

  • Most children and teens, at least 5 months after the final dose in the primary series
  • Children and teens who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 3 months after the final dose in the primary series

2nd Booster:

  • CDC recommends a 2nd booster of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the 1st booster for children and teens who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Children ages 11 years and under

Pfizer-BioNTech

5–11 YEARS

1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for:

  • Most children, at least 5 months after the final dose in the primary series
  • Children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 3 months after the final dose in the primary series

2nd Booster:

  • CDC does not recommend 2nd boosters for anyone in this age group at this time

6 MONTHS–4 YEARS

Pfizer boosters are not recommended for anyone in this age group at this time.

Moderna:

Boosters are not recommended at this time for any children or teens who have completed the Moderna COVID-19 primary series.


* Notes:

[1]Although mRNA vaccines are preferred for the 1st booster, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.

[2]Up to Date: Immediately after getting all boosters recommended for you. You are also considered up to date if:

  • You have completed your primary series but are not yet eligible for a booster
  • You have received 1 booster but are not recommended to get a 2nd booster
  • You have received 1 booster but are not yet eligible for a 2nd booster

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