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:
Learn when you should get your 2nd booster below. |
When to Get a Booster:
Adults ages 18 years and older |
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Pfizer-BioNTech |
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1st Booster: CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]
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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:
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Moderna |
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1st Booster: CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]
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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:
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Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen* |
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1st Booster: CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for: [1]
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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:
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* 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 |
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Pfizer-BioNTech |
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1st Booster: CDC recommends a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for: [1]
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2nd Booster:
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Children ages 11 years and under |
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Pfizer-BioNTech |
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5–11 YEARS |
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1st Booster: CDC recommends a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for:
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2nd Booster:
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6 MONTHS–4 YEARS |
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Pfizer boosters are not recommended for anyone in this age group at this time. |
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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