The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends booster doses for select groups of people who previously received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine if:
- They’re 65 or older,
- They live in a long-term care facility,
- They’re 18 or older with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19,
- Or they live or work in a setting that puts them at a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19, such as healthcare workers and teachers.
The CDC also recommends anyone ages 18 and older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a booster dose at least two months after they had their initial dose.
“The data are clear, providing booster doses can help prevent COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths,” says Leisha Nolen, MD, state epidemiologist for the Utah Department of Health. “With hospitals still operating at full capacity, and with the winter months just around the corner, the timing is right to seek out a booster dose if you qualify. It also remains critically important that people who haven’t been vaccinated go get their vaccine now.”
Mixing vaccines is also approved. The CDC recommendation allows mixing-and-matching of COVID-19 vaccines, meaning you can get a different type of vaccine booster than the type of vaccine you originally received. Talk to your doctor about this option if you have questions.
“Providing a booster that is a different vaccine brand than someone originally received offers greater flexibility for patients and providers,” Dr. Nolen says. “Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. And providers should have an easier time managing inventory by being able to offer their patients different choices for boosters.”
The CDC has posted more information about the new recommendations on their website.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine at a caregiver vaccine clinic. There are no clinics planned for this week, but starting November 1 you can receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster, or the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, at vaccine clinics at most Intermountain hospitals. Appointments are strongly recommended, but walk-ins will be accommodated.
To view COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability, visit the Caregiver COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic webpage. The page will be updated daily with vaccine appointment availability. You can also get your booster or first dose at a community location by visiting coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine. If you received Johnson & Johnson, please visit your primary care provider or a community clinic.