The CDC released new recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination booster shots.
For those with a moderately to severely compromised immune system who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series: They should receive an additional dose of vaccine at least 28 days after completing their initial series.
For those who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series:
The following groups are eligible for a booster shot 6 months or more after their initial series. The Pfizer booster is the same dose as the initial series. The Moderna booster is a half dose.
- 65 years and older
- Age 18 and older who live in long -term care settings (“Long-term care settings” include any location where older adults, people with disabilities, etc. receive services or support)
- Age 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions (such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung diseases, etc.)
- Age 18 and older who work or live in high-risk settings . Health care workers for example.
For those who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: The CDC is recommending booster shots for individuals who are 18 years old and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Which booster to get?
Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster.
Available data right now show that all three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those you love.
Stay well!
Sincerely,
Dr. Drourr, Dr. Shtern, and the staff of Concierge Medicine of Jupiter
Additional resources:
- COVID-19 tracking: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
- Finding vaccines: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/
- Testing sites: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites/
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention