(CDC guidance as of 11/29/21) Everyone 18+ should get a booster dose after they're fully vaccinated.
If you originally got Pfizer or Moderna: get a booster at least 6 months after your 2nd dose.
If you originally got Johnson & Johnson: get a booster at least 2 months after your initial dose.
Boosters are not authorized for those under 18 at this time, but boosters for ages 16 and 17 may be coming soon.
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.
Additionally, the emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and other COVID-19 prevention efforts. While there is much to learn about the Omicron variant, we do know that COVID-19 vaccines are our best tool to avoid serious illness & hospitalization. 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.