COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Eligibility: Who Needs a Boost?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the following individuals get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot:

- People 5 years and older who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series at least 5 months ago

- People who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago

- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and had a 3rd primary dose at least 4 weeks ago

- For people who received the primary Moderna series:

- People 18 years and older should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series

- People 12 to 17 years should receive a booster dose at least 6 months after the primary series

- For people who received the primary Pfizer-BioNTech series:

- People 18 years and older should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series

- Children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after the primary series

Additionally, some people who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 or who live or work in high-risk settings may be recommended for a second booster dose. These include:

- People 50 years and older

- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

- People who live in long-term care facilities or other high-risk settings

If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, talk to your doctor or other health care provider.