“Booster shots have demonstrated the ability to safely increase people’s protection against infection and severe outcomes and are an important public health tool to strengthen our defenses against the virus as we enter the winter holidays. Based on the compelling evidence, all adults over 18 should now have equitable access to a COVID-19 booster dose.”

– CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a statement expanding recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. The new guidance provides eligibility to all adults ages 18 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine to receive a booster shot at least six months after the second dose of their primary series.

This is an update from the CDC’s previous guidance, which recommended that certain populations receive Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster shots, including people ages 65 years and older, adults with underlying conditions and those in high-risk settings. The previous guidance also provided booster shot eligibility to all adults who received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine two or more months prior.

Vaccine recipients may choose which COVID-19 vaccine they receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type they originally received, and others may want a different booster. Recipients are allowed this type of mix-and-match dosing for booster shots.

This announcement comes as the CDC continues to encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to do so as soon as possible to protect themselves, their families, loved ones and communities.

What This Means

This update means that the CDC’s current guidance allows all fully vaccinated adults eligibility to receive a booster six months after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, or two months after receiving their shot if they received the J&J vaccine. While most adults were previously eligible, this update simplifies the requirements and provides access to millions more adults.

Individuals can find available vaccines near them at vaccines.gov and can consult their health care provider or local pharmacist if they have questions about vaccines or boosters.

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.