What is a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

Colloquially known as the “booster shot” , the COVID-19 booster shot is an additional dose of the vaccine provided after the protection from the original vaccine shots have diminished. The booster is typically administered after the immunity from the initial vaccine starts to wane, and is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for even longer periods of time. In short, the booster helps protect people from serious injury to their health and lifestyle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is emerging evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines’ protection is decreasing over time amongst healthcare and other frontline workers. However, data from a small clinical trial indicated that an additional Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their initial vaccine shots 6 months prior. Coupled with the infectiousness of the Delta variant, the administration of a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has become critical to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?

As of October 21st, nearly 100 million people nationwide are newly eligible to receive COVID booster shots after the CDC authorized additional doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The CDC also now allows fully immunized individuals to pair their boosters with vaccines from different manufactures after research from the National Institutes of Health indicated it was safe and effective mix and match vaccines. 

If you received Pfizer-BioNTech: 

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shot was previously cleared for booster shots in the U.S. last month. If you fall under the following categories, you are now eligible for a third booster shot: 

  • Anyone 65 and older
  • All adults aged 18 to 64 who have cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, HIV and other medical conditions that increase their likelihood of COVID-19 complications.
  • Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in a long-term care facility, homeless shelter and prison or other congregate setting.
  • Front-line personnel 18 or older who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job, including first responders, teachers, supermarket staff and mass transit employees.

If you received Moderna:

The CDC is following the same criteria for Moderna recipients as Pfizer, as both vaccines utilize the same mRNA technology in their COVID-19 vaccines. If you fall under the following categories, you are now eligible for a third booster shot:

  • Anyone 65 and older.
  • All adults aged 18 to 64 who have cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, HIV and other medical conditions that increase their likelihood of Covid complications.
  • Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in a long-term care facility, homeless shelter and prison or other congregate setting.
  • Front-line personnel 18 or older who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to their job, including first responders, teachers, supermarket staff and mass transit employees.

If you received Johnson & Johnson:

The CDC is recommending different criteria for J&J’s one-shot COVID-19 vaccine. If you fall under the following categories, you are now eligible for a booster shot:

  • All adults who were vaccinated with J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago, instead of six months with Pfizer and Moderna.
  • All adult J&J recipients are eligible for a booster even if they don’t have underlying medical conditions or work in a profession or live where there’s a higher risk of COVID-19.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Effective? 

According to available evidence at the moment, all 3 of the approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the Delta variant. The CDC continues to urge the remaining 65 million unvaccinated Americans to get their first shots, as vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus, and help prevent new variants from emerging. 

How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine Near You

  • You can find a COVID-19 vaccine near you by searching vaccines.gov, texting your zip code to 438829, or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
  • You can also find one by checking your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available.
  • You can also contact your state or local health department for more information.