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 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised

COVID-19 Vaccines for People Who Are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised
Updated May 11, 2023
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COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have been updated as of April 19. Learn more.

What You Need to Know
  • If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death. Additionally, your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised.
  • As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines for your age group:
  • COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data.

Children and teens aged 6 months–17 years

Adults aged 18 years and older

Updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine:

  • Children aged 6 months–4 years who completed their primary series with 3 doses of the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to receive an updated Pfizer-BioNTech booster.
  • Children aged 6 months-4 years who completed their primary series with 2 doses of the original Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and a 3rd dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are not currently recommended to get an updated Pfizer-BioNTech booster.

Staying up to date: If you have completed your primary series—but are not yet eligible for a booster—you are also considered up to date.

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

Who Is Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised?

Some people are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) due to a medical condition or from receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments. Learn more about which medical conditions put you at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death. You can self-attest to your moderately or severely immunocompromised status, which means you do not need any documentation of your status to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses you might be eligible to receive.

People Who Were Vaccinated Outside of the United States

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and who received COVID-19 vaccines not available in the United States should either complete or restart the recommended COVID-19 vaccine series, including a booster, in the United States. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider, or see the COVID-19 Interim Clinical Considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Healthcare and Public Health Professionals