F.P. Report
WASHINGTON: The FDA is working to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and keep you and your family informed on the latest developments. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from consumers about vaccines and boosters.
Q: Am I currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, and if so, which one?
A: Everyone ages 12 and older can get a booster shot.
Ages 12 to 17: The FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for a single booster dose for people ages 12 to 17 at least five months after completion of primary vaccination. People ages 12 to 17 should receive only the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine or Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) as their booster dose.
Ages 18 and older: If you are 18 or older and received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for your primary vaccination series at least 5 months ago, then you may receive a single booster dose of any of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. If you are 18 or older and received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for your primary vaccination series at least 6 months ago, then you may receive a booster dose of any of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. They are:
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA)
- Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine
If you are 18 or older and received the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine as your primary vaccination at least 2 months ago, then you may receive a booster dose of any of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines.
The FDA-approved Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people ages 12 and older, when prepared according to their respective instructions for use, can be used interchangeably without any safety or effectiveness concerns.
Q: Are immunocompromised individuals currently eligible to receive a third primary series dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine?
A: Individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and are age 5 or older and have undergone solid organ transplantation, or have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise, are eligible for a third dose of a three-dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at least 28 days following the second dose of the three-dose vaccine regimen.
The licensed vaccine (Comirnaty) has the same formulation as the EUA-authorized vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine), and, when prepared according to their respective instructions for use, the products can be used interchangeably to provide doses for primary vaccination or a booster dose.
Individuals who received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and are 18 years of age or older and have undergone solid organ transplantation, or have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise, are eligible for a third dose of a three-dose primary series of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine at least 28 days following the second dose of the three-dose vaccine regimen.
For the latest information about COVID-19, visit:
- FDA: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- FDA: COVID-19 Vaccines
- CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Vaccines.gov: Find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters near you
