Boosters
Last updated 5/24/2022
Everyone should stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination by getting boosted when they are eligible. Boosters give critically important added protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
Why Should I Get a Booster?
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COVID-19 boosters are critical to maintaining strong protection from severe illness from the virus.
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While the COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, they can become less effective over time. Getting a booster shot extends your protection.
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Booster doses are very common. They’re part of most childhood and adult vaccines because they help a person keep strong protection against infection from a disease.
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People who get booster doses are less likely to get COVID-19 and, if they do become sick, are less likely to have severe symptoms, be hospitalized or die. Click to see local data.
Who Can Get a Booster?
First Booster Doses
Ages 5-17
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A Pfizer booster is available to people who received their second dose of Pfizer at least 5 months ago.
Ages 18+
People ages 18 and older can get a booster dose of their choice if the minimum time has passed since completing their primary vaccine series:
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Pfizer or Moderna: Received second dose at least 5 months ago.
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Johnson & Johnson: Received single dose at least 2 months ago. It is recommended that if you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you strongly consider a Pfizer or Moderna booster.
Second Booster Doses
Ages 50+
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People ages 50 years and older should get a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna four months after their first booster dose.
Doses for People Who Are Immunocompromised
People who are immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and should get an extra shot as part of their primary vaccination series.
After completing the primary series, people who are immunocompromised should get booster doses:
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People 18 and older who got the Moderna vaccine and people 12 and older who have had the Pfizer vaccine: Get a third dose at least 28 days after second dose to complete the initial series. Get a booster (fourth dose) at least three months later and a second booster (fifth dose) at least four months after the first booster.
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Children ages 5-11: Get a third dose at least 28 days after second dose to complete the initial series.
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People who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine: Get an mRNA dose (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 28 days after first shot, followed by a third dose at least two months later.
Click here for more information or speak with your health care provider.
