Updated recommendations on who should be vaccinated.
Everyone 5 years and older is recommended to receive a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine to be considered fully vaccinated.
For children 5 years through 17 years of age, a primary series consists of 2 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
For persons 18 and older, a primary series consists of:
A 2-dose series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or
A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine)
For 18 yo and older, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations. Talk to your health provider if you are considering the J&J vaccine.
When to Consider J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine:
In most situations, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination due to the risk of serious adverse events. Vaccine recipients should talk to their health provider about the risks and benefits of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. The J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations, including for persons who:
Had a severe reaction after an mRNA vaccine dose or who have a severe allergy to an ingredient of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines).
Would otherwise remain unvaccinated for COVID-19 due to limited access to Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines).
Wants to get the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine despite the safety concerns.
Who Should Get a Booster Shot
If you received: Pfizer-BioNTech:
Everyone 12 years and older should get boosted at least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
Which booster can you get: Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) are preferred in most situations. Teens 12–17 years old may only get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster
If you received: Moderna:
Adults 18 years and older should get boosted at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
Which booster can you get: Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) are preferred in most situations
If you received: Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen:
Adults 18 years and older should be boosted at least 2 months after receiving your J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination.
Which booster can you get: Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) are preferred in most situations.
