Older Adults, Immunocompromised, and J&J Vaccine Recipients Now Eligible for a Second Booster Dose

On March 31, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance related to second booster doses. Older adults, those considered moderately or severely immunocompromised and any recipient of an initial and booster dose of the J&J/Janssen vaccine are now eligible to receive a second booster dose.  

Older Adults 

Individuals 50 years and older who received an initial booster dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna at least four months ago may choose to receive an additional booster dose to increase their protection against COVID-19. This population may benefit from a second booster as people in this age group are at higher risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection. This increased risk is especially concerning for those with underlying health conditions.  

Immunocompromised 

Individuals aged 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may choose to receive an additional booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna if they received an initial booster dose at least four months prior. Similar to older adults, this population is at increased risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection and may benefit from increased protection. Consult this list of conditions to determine if you or someone you know is eligible for a second booster dose.  

J&J/Janssen Vaccine Recipients 

Individuals aged 18 and older who received an initial and booster dose of the J&J/Janssen vaccine are now eligible to receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine four months after their J&J/Janssen booster dose. Individuals who received the J&J/Janssen vaccine are now eligible for an additional Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster dose, as mRNA vaccines are most effective in protecting against severe illness from a COVID-19 infection. For more information on the comparative effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and the J&J/Janssen vaccines, consult this scientific study.  

To find a vaccine location near you, use the Department of Health vaccine locator tool

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