Second COVID Booster Authorized For Some Individuals

Courtesy Darlynn Williams, PR County Public Health Nurse

The FDA and CDC authorized a second booster shot for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 disease. A second COVID-19 booster shot may be administered to the following individuals:

• Individuals aged 12 and older with certain immunocompromising conditions* can receive a Pfizer booster at least 4 months after receipt of the first booster dose.

• Individuals aged 18 and older with certain immunocompromising conditions* can receive a Moderna booster at least 4 months after receipt of the first booster dose.

• Individuals 18-49 who are NOT moderately or severely immunocompromised AND RECEIVED JANSSEN COVID-19 VACCINE for BOTH their primary and booster can receive a second booster using a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after receipt of the first Janssen booster dose.

• Individuals 50 years and older can receive either mRNA vaccine at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose of either mRNA vaccine.

*These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.

Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from COVID-19 in older and immunocompromised individuals. Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.”

The recommendation from public health is to get your Covid vaccination and stay up to date on your boosters. If you choose not to get vaccinated, use the other tools available to stay healthy. If you develop symptoms, even if you think it’s a cold or a sinus infection, avoid being around others until you get tested.