COVID-19 Booster Shots

As of 3/29/22:

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

COVID-19 booster shots help remind the immune system how to recognize and defend against COVID. They help people maintain strong protection from severe illness related to COVID.

Booster shots are recommended for people:

• 12+ who received their second Pfizer COVID-19 dose at least five months ago
• 18+ who received their second Moderna COVID-19 dose at least five months ago
• 18+ who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago
• 12+ who are immunocompromised and received a 3rd primary shot at least three months ago for Moderna or Pfizer, or two months ago for Johnson & Johnson – Vaccination recommendations for immunocompromised

Note: Ages 12-17 are eligible for the Pfizer booster only. People 18 and older may choose which vaccine they want for a booster, even if it is different from the original vaccine received.

For some immunocompromised children aged 5–11 years old, CDC now recommends an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to complete the primary series – a total of three doses. 

Learn more: CDC Booster shot information

On March 29, 2022, the CDC updated COVID-19 booster shot guidance for:

• People who received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for their first shot and booster
• Adults ages 50 years and older
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Studies suggest that a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against severe COVID-19 and is not associated with new safety concerns.

• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50+ at least 4 months after their first booster dose.
• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after a first booster dose. (organ transplant or equivalent level of immunocompromise).
• A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.
• An mRNA booster dose may be administered to people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their first and booster doses, 4 months after their last shot.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization for 2nd boosters

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. 

based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization and studies suggesting that a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against severe COVID-19 and is not associated with new safety concerns, the CDC released updated booster guidance:

• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 50+ at least 4 months after their first booster dose.
• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise at least 4 months after a first booster dose. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.
• A second booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 4 months after the first booster dose to individuals 18 years of age and older with the same certain kinds of immunocompromise.
• An mRNA booster dose for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their first and booster doses, 4 months after their last shot

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.