I’ve been vaccinated – Should I get a booster shot?
Updated 5.19.22
The FDA recently modified the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for the administration of a booster or additional primary dose (aka a third dose) of either an mRNA (Moderna or Pfizer) vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine following your initial vaccine/vaccine series.
According to the CDC, the recommendation for an additional primary dose or booster shot includes the following:
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Your Initial Vaccine Brand
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Who
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When to Get Your Booster/Third Dose
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Type of Vaccine
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Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (single dose): 1st Booster
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Ages 18 and older
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2 months after your initial vaccine.
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Booster
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Johnson & Johnson/Janssen(single dose): 2nd Booster
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Anyone who received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for both their primary dose and booster.
Adults 50 years and older who first received a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of what type of booster they received
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4 months or more after your first booster
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mRNA booster only
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Pfizer BioNTech: 1st Booster
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Ages 5 and older
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5 months after your initial series.
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Booster
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Pfizer BioNTech: 2nd Booster
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Ages 50 and older
Ages 12 and older AND moderately or severely immunocompromised
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4 months or more after your first booster
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mRNA booster only
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Moderna: 1st Booster
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Ages 18 and older
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5 months after your initial series
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Booster
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Moderna: 2nd Booster
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Ages 50 and older
Ages 12 and older AND moderately or severely immunocompromised
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4 months or more after your first booster
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mRNA booster only
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Moderna
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Age 18+ and moderately to severely immunocompromised
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28 days after your initial series
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Additional Primary Dose. You’re also eligible for a booster shot after your additional dose. Talk to your primary care provider for more details.
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Pfizer BioNTech
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Age 5+ AND moderately to severely immunocompromised
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28 days after your initial series
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Additional Primary Dose. If you're 16 or older, you’re also eligible for a booster shot after your additional dose. Talk to your primary care provider for more details.
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Can I get a different brand vaccine for my booster shot?
If you’re 18 years or older, your first booster shot can be any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, the second booster shot must be an mRNA booster, even if your initial booster was Johnson & Johnson/Jansen.
Kids ages 5-17 are eligible solely for the Pfizer BioNTech booster at this time.
What if I currently have – or have had – COVID-19?
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 before getting a booster. If you test positive for COVID-19, the CDC advises postponing your booster shot until your symptoms have fully cleared.
Once your symptoms have fully resolved, you can schedule your booster shot if you meet the eligible requirements above.
Questions about the COVID-19 booster shot?
Talk to your primary care doctor or talk to a live registered Munson Healthcare nurse at 231-935-0951. This free service is available daily (no insurance required) from 7 am to 11 pm.
Learn more about the COVID-19 booster shot in our recent blog post: Should You Get a COVID-19 Booster?