Everyone 18+ who is fully vaccinated is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose. According to the latest CDC guidance, some groups should get a booster, and some groups may get a booster based on assessment of their individual risks and benefits.
People who should get a booster include:
- Those who originally got Johnson & Johnson, at least 2 months after the initial dose
- Those who originally got Moderna or Pfizer who are 50 years old or older or who are 18+ and living in long-term care settings, at least 6 months after the second dose
People who may get a booster include:
- All adults age 18+ who originally got Moderna or Pfizer, at least 6 months after the second dose
Those eligible for a booster may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Mixing and matching is allowed. For questions about which booster to receive, we recommend speaking with your own health care provider for advice.
The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the Delta variant. CDC data show that in August 2021, the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. was more than 11 times greater for unvaccinated people than for fully vaccinated people. However, scientists are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations. This is the reason for the new booster dose guidance.
It is critically important that those who haven't yet gotten vaccinated do so as soon as possible.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be widely available from local providers and pharmacies. Initial vaccine doses of all three vaccines and boosters are available through the Health Department. See Health Department clinic details here.