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The Latest on COVID-19 Boosters

COVID-19 booster doses are now recommended by the CDC for all three vaccines in the US, for certain populations. This means up to 99 million Americans are now eligible for an extra boost of protection.

Chances are, you or someone you know may now be eligible for a booster. But with different requirements for each vaccine, it can be tough to tell when it’s your turn; or even which vaccine booster you may need.

Read on for the latest guidance.

Who’s eligible for a booster?

Anyone 18 or older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago should get a booster. And that’s for any adult — regardless of their risk level.

People who got their second dose of the Moderna vaccine at least six months ago and are in one of the following groups should get a booster:

• People 65 and older.
• People 18 and older living in long-term care facilities.
• People 50–64 with certain underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of social inequities.

People in the groups listed below should also consider getting a booster, depending on their individual risk factors:

• People 18 and older who live or work in a high-risk setting.
• People 18–49 with certain underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of social inequities.

The above recommendations are the same as those for Pfizer vaccine boosters.

Just because I can get a booster, should I?

While all vaccines approved by the CDC are safe and effective, the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine has a lower efficacy rate than the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna). The booster for the J&J vaccine brings its efficacy up to 94%, which is about the same as the mRNA vaccines. Researchers also found that a Johnson & Johnson booster shot given two months after the initial dose increased antibody levels by four to six times, compared to the single dose. So, if you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the added protection is an important consideration.

Still on the fence? A booster of any type helps provide continued protection against severe disease from COVID-19, especially for those who are at higher risk. People in higher risk groups (like older adults and those in long-term care settings) should get a booster dose since their immunity can decrease faster.

Clinical trials have not found any new or unusual side effects from boosters.

It’s also important to remember that some populations may be better suited for a third dose (which is different from a booster). Talk to your provider if you have questions about which one may be right for you.

I don’t fall into one of the eligible populations. Will I be able to get a booster?

Right now, boosters are only available for certain groups. Others may become eligible once more data is available.

Don’t worry if you’re not eligible for a booster just yet. The FDA authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines are still very effective at reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, even against the delta variant.

Booster or no booster, you’re still considered fully vaccinated (for travel, access into restaurants, events, etc.) — so long as you’re two weeks past your second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single dose of the J&J vaccine.

Can I mix and match vaccines?

Yes, you can, but it’s not necessary. The FDA authorized mixing and matching — which means you can get a different vaccine for your booster dose than you got for your primary series. This can make it easier for you to get an available booster, if your original vaccine is not available at your provider. There are no safety concerns with mixing and matching. In fact, some might benefit from receiving a different vaccine if they have particular health risks or concerns.

It’s best to chat with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about mixing and matching vaccines.

How can I make an appointment?

To find a vaccine location near you, visit Vaccine Locator or call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1–800–525–0127, then press #. Language assistance is available.

Remember to take your vaccination card with you so you can show that you already had your initial vaccine(s). If you don’t have your card, the provider can look up your record — or you can access your records using MyIR or WAverify.

You can also self-report if you are eligible for a booster. You don’t need to show proof or have a note from your doctor.

To add an additional immunity “boost,” you can also get your flu vaccine at the same time. Talk to your provider to see if that’s an option.

More information

This blog is accurate as of the date of posting. Information changes rapidly, so check the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up-to-date info at coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 12 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.

WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.