COVID-19 Booster Shots
Vaccines are effective at protecting us from the worst effects of COVID-19. Boosters help extend their protection. The CDC has booster recommendations for all three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Everyone 5 years old or older should get a booster shot.
If you are age 5 or older, you are eligible for booster shot if it has been:
- 5 months or longer since you received your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (for those aged 5 or older) or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (for those aged 18 or older)
- 2 months or longer since you received your Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Eligible individuals 18 years and older may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Most adults 18+, regardless of which vaccine you first received, should get Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna for your booster dose.
If you are age 5-17, you are eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot if it has been 5 months or longer since you received your second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 5- to 17-year-olds are only eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster.
The CDC recommends a second booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines for those over 50. It also applies for those over 18 years old who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
The latest booster recommendations are found on the CDC’s website.
What to Bring to Your Booster Appointment
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 lost or did not receive a CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card at your first appointment, contact the vaccination site where you got your first shot to find out how you can get a card. You can also contact the PA Department of Health to request your immunization records.
Have a Question?
If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. You can also check out the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccinations or call the PA Health Hotline at 1-877-724-3258.