Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
Updated May 20, 2022
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What You Need to Know

Choosing Your COVID-19 Booster

Three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved for use in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations.

Who Can Get a Booster

ELIGIBLE FOR
1 Booster

Everyone ages 12 years and older can get 1 booster after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Learn when you can get your 1st booster below.

ELIGIBLE FOR
2 Boosters
  • Adults ages 50 years and older
  • People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
  • People who got 2 doses (1 primary dose and 1 booster) of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

Learn when you can get your 2nd booster below and what you should consider.

Adults ages 18 or older

Children and teens ages 12–17 years

Children ages 5–11 years

1 If you have completed your primary series—but are not yet eligible for a booster dose—you are also considered up to date. Stay up to date by getting 1 booster when you are eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.

2 Although mRNA vaccines are preferred for the first booster, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.

Getting a 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

People in certain groups or situations are now eligible to get a 2nd COVID-19 booster. If you are eligible, it is up to you whether to get a 2nd booster right now, based on the benefits and risks of a 2nd booster. Your healthcare provider can help you review your options. Here are factors pdf icon[70 KB, 1 page] to think about as you consider a 2nd booster.

1
Are you eligible?
Right now, you are eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster if you:
  • Are 50 years of age or older and got your 1st booster at least 4 months ago
  • Are 12 years of age or older, and are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and got your 1st booster at least 4 months ago
  • Are 18 years of age or older and got 2 doses of J&J/Janssen vaccine at least 4 months ago
2
If you are eligible (see above), are you (or is someone you live with) more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or be exposed to the virus?
Certain factors can make it more likely that someone will get very sick from COVID-19 or be exposed:
  • Being moderately or severely immunocompromised
  • Being more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 through your job, where you live, or other factors (such as frequent travel or large gatherings)
  • Being in an area with medium to high COVID-19 community levels
  • Living with someone who is unvaccinated
3
If you are eligible, can you wait?
Even if you are eligible for a 2nd booster, you may consider waiting to get a 2nd booster if you:
  • Had COVID-19 within the past 3 months
  • Feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future (a 2nd booster may be more important in fall of 2022, or if a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant becomes available)

If You Get a 2nd Booster

  • Make sure it has been at least 4 months since your 1st COVID-19 booster.
  • Remember that 2nd boosters can only be Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (and for people ages 12 to 17 years, only Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • You can self-attest that you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system. This means you do not need any documentation that you have a weakened immune system to get a COVID-19 vaccine (including boosters) wherever they are offered.

Scheduling Your Booster

It is never too late to get the added protection offered by a COVID-19 booster. If you need help scheduling your booster, contact the location that set up your previous appointment. If you need to get your booster in a location different from where you received your previous vaccination, there are several ways you can find a vaccine provider.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Related Pages

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For Healthcare and Public Health

Considerations for Use of a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose

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