COVID-19 Vaccine boosters are now authorized and available for those eligible who had Pfizer vaccine initially. Yesterday, CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended certain populations receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series. In addition, the CDC Director
recommended a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings.
CDC recommends:
- people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
- people aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series;
- people 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks; and
- people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
More detailed information for providers was released by NCDHHS,
here.
Tested, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will help us get back in control of our lives and back to the people and places we love.
Scientists had a head start. The vaccines were built upon years of work to develop vaccines for similar viruses.
Tested, safe and effective. More than 100,000 people volunteered in clinical trials for all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) to make sure they are safe and work to prevent COVID-19 illness. The vaccines help protect you from COVID-19 and are extremely effective in preventing death and hospitalization from COVID-19 with no serious safety concerns noted in any of the clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure the vaccines are safe and can prevent people from getting COVID-19. Like all drugs, vaccine safety continues to be monitored after they are in use.
You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. You may have temporary reactions like a sore arm, headache, fever or feeling tired and achy for a day or two after receiving the vaccine.
Take your shot at no cost. The COVID-19 vaccine is available for free, whether or not you have insurance.
Everyone can be vaccinated, regardless of their immigration status. Getting vaccinated will not affect your immigration status. Personal information about your health and identity is carefully managed to protect your privacy. It is not shared with CDC or ICE.
After you are fully vaccinated, you can get back to activities like gathering with other vaccinated friends and family without masks!
