Second COVID-19 Booster

Thinking About Getting a Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?

According to the CDC, people in certain groups or situations are now eligible to get a second COVID-19 vaccine booster. If you are eligible, it is up to you whether to get a second booster right now, based on the benefits and risks of a second booster. Preferred Primary Care Physicians can help you review your options. Here are factors to think about as you consider a second booster.

Are You Eligible? 
Right now, you are eligible for a second COVID-19 booster if you:

  • Are 50 years of age or older and got your first booster at least 4 months ago
  • Are 12 years of age or older, and are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and got your first booster at least 4 months ago
  • Are 18 years of age or older and got 2 doses of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine at least 4 months ago

If you are eligible (see above), are you (or is someone you live with) more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or be exposed to the virus?
If you are eligible (see above), it may be helpful to get a second booster now if you are (or if someone you live with is) more likely to get very sick or be exposed to the virus. Certain factors can make it more likely that someone will get very sick from COVID-19 or be exposed:

  • Being moderately or severely immunocompromised
  • Being more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 through your job, where you live, or other factors (such as frequent travel or large gatherings)
  • Being in an area with medium to high COVID-19 community levels
  • Living with someone who is unvaccinated

If you are eligible, can you wait?
Even if you are eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get a second booster if you:

  • Had COVID-19 within the past 3 months
  • Feel that getting a second booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future (a second booster may be more important in fall of 2022, or if a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant becomes available)

If you get a second booster:

  • Make sure it has been at least 4 months since your first COVID-19 booster.
  • Remember that second boosters can only be Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (and for people ages 12 to 17 years, only Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • You can self-attest that you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system. This means you do not need any documentation that you have a weakened immune system to get a COVID-19 vaccine (including boosters) wherever they are offered.

Still have questions? Contact your Preferred physician to review your options.

 

CDC References and Resources:

COVID-19  by  County:  www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States:   www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html
Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for Ages 5 Years and Older: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-immunization-schedule-ages-5yrs-older.pdf
People with Certain Medical Conditions: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Product Information: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/index.html