CDC recommends a COVID-19 booster shot for those that are eligible
Difference between Additional Dose vs. Booster Dose
Additional Dose: Given to immunocompromised patients to increase the efficacy of the vaccine, as the primary vaccine series is likely to be insufficient due to suppressed immune system. Available for Moderna and Pfizer recipients who meet criteria. Recipients who receive additional dose will still be eligible for the booster dose.
Booster Dose: Given to boost the immune response to a primary vaccine series that potentially has worn off over time.
CDC Mix and Match guidance
There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. (CDC Guidelines- https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html)
Quick Reference for COVID-19 Booster Doses and Additional Doses:
Booster Dose
Eligible for any of the three COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
Minimum 2 months after receiving initial Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
CDC Criteria:
- Must be 18+ years of age
Booster Dosage: 0.5 ml
Additional Dose
There is currently no additional dose for immunocompromised for Johnson and Johnson recipients.
Booster Dose
Eligible for any of the three COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
Minimum 6 months after receiving second dose of Pfizer.
CDC Criteria:
- Age 18+ who live in long term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high risk settings
- Age 65 years of age and older
Booster Dosage: 0.3 mL
Additional Dose
Eligible for Pfizer additional dose 28 days after 2nd dose of Pfizer
CDC Criteria:
- Receiving active cancer treatment
- Received an organ transplant and taking medicine to suppress immune system
- Received stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or taking medicine to suppress immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
- Advanced untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high dose corticosterioids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
Additional Dose: 0.3 mL
Booster Dose:
Eligible for any of the three COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
Minimum 6 months after receiving second dose of Moderna.
CDC Criteria:
- Age 18+ who live in long term care settings.
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions.
- Age 18+ who work or live in high risk settings.
- Age 65 years of age and older.
Booster Dosage: 0.25 mL
Additional Dose
Eligible for Moderna additional dose 28 days after 2nd dose of Moderna
CDC Criteria:
- Receiving active cancer treatment
- Received an organ transplant and taking medicine to suppress immune system
- Received stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or taking medicine to suppress immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
- Advanced untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
Additional Dose: 0.5 mL
Your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card and Booster Shots
At your first vaccination appointment, you should have received a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it, and where you received it. Bring this vaccination card to your booster shot vaccination appointment.
If you did not receive a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card at your first appointment, contact the vaccination site where you got your first shot or your state health department to find out how you can get a card.
Learn more about what to do if you need a copy of your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card.
After Getting Your Booster Shot
You may experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. Get helpful tips on how to reduce any pain or discomfort.
Use v-safe on your smartphone to tell CDC about any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. If you enter your booster shot in your v-safe account, the system will send you daily health check-ins. Please note that the v-safe is not automatically notified when you receive a booster shot, so you must enter the information yourself.
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