Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following individuals get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot:
- People 5 years and older who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series at least 5 months ago
- People who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and had a 3rd primary dose at least 4 weeks ago
- For people who received the primary Moderna series:
- People 18 years and older should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series
- People 12 to 17 years should receive a booster dose at least 6 months after the primary series
- For people who received the primary Pfizer-BioNTech series:
- People 18 years and older should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series
- Children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series
Additionally, some people who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 or who live or work in high-risk settings may be recommended for a second booster dose. These include:
- People 50 years and older
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
- People who live in long-term care facilities or other high-risk settings
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, talk to your doctor or other health care provider.