UPDATE: COVID Vaccine Booster 101
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
A few weeks ago we shared an article about whether you need a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.
At that point in time, boosters were still in the approval process. A booster for the vaccine would look like a third dose for those who got the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots, and a second dose for those who got the Johnson & Johnson shot.
Fast-forward to today, and we have some new information. The booster shots have been authorized by the FDA for emergency use.
Today, we are answering some questions about the booster shot with the information that is available and current.
Are the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots available?
As of September 22, the FDA granted emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s booster shot.
Emergency use authorization is different than official approval, but that will likely come soon.
Who is expected to get the first round of boosters?
If approval goes as planned, the CDC recommends that those who were the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine back in early 2021 are the first in line for a booster.
That means those who are most at risk including:
Healthcare providers
Long-term care facility residents
Older adults (65+)
Immunocompromised individuals
Once those groups have received a booster, then it will open up to others.
How long do I have to wait to get a booster shot?
Once official FDA approval happens, and once the CDC okays the first round of doses for emergency use, it will open up to others who got their second mRNA vaccine dose at least 6 months ago.
So, if you recently got your second mRNA vaccine shot (either the Pfizer or Moderna shot), then you will likely have to wait at least 6 months to get your booster shot. However, we are still waiting on the final word from the CDC on their booster recommendations.
If I got the J&J vaccine, can I get an mRNA vaccine?
No. There is no information currently available that supports the mRNA vaccine booster working on those who got a J&J/Janssen vaccine.
Those who got the J&J/Janssen vaccine will need to get a booster specifically made for that vaccine.
If I got the J&J vaccine, will I need a booster shot?
Likely, yes.
Because the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was given 70 days after the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, there isn’t enough data yet to determine whether a booster is necessary for those who got the J&J vaccine. However, it is safe to expect that boosters will be needed for all COVID-19 vaccines.
