Last week, the CDC recommended COVID-19 boosters for all adults who were fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least 6 months ago. The CDC previously recommended a booster for all adults who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
People can “mix and match,” or choose a different COVID-19 vaccine than their original series as a booster.
A booster dose is recommended if you are 18 or older and:
- Received your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 6 months ago, or
- Received your first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago
With emerging evidence suggesting that immunity from COVID-19 vaccination may wane over time, you should get your booster now, if eligible. Vaccination and booster doses will have the greatest benefit if they are administered before COVID-19 starts circulating at high levels again this winter.
The Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson booster doses are the same dosage as the original vaccine received in the series, while the Moderna booster dose is half the dosage of the original vaccine series.
Health care systems, pharmacies, and community-based clinics are offering boosters and a person can receive their booster from any location, not necessarily the same location where they received their initial vaccine series. Any eligible person seeking a booster dose should contact their health care provider or access a booster through a retail pharmacy. Booster appointments are also available through MyTurn.ca.gov.
In alignment with State guidance, vaccination providers should not turn people away who meet the time requirement for a booster. Providers should actively seek out patients who are eligible for boosters and remind them to make an appointment.
Health systems and pharmacies may need time to update their appointment systems, including screening tools asking registrants to attest to eligibility criteria. People should choose any criteria that they believe applies to them in order to schedule a booster appointment.
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