COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Recommendations
Updated September 24, 2021

Who can get a booster shot?

• People who are under at least one of the following situations SHOULD receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series:

  • aged 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings

  • aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions

• People who are under at least one of the following situations MAY receive a booster shot of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series:

  • aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions

  • aged 18–64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational or institutional setting.

What are considered underlying medical conditions?

• Cancer

• Chronic kidney disease

• Chronic lung diseases

• Dementia or other neurological conditions

• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)

• Down syndrome

• Heart conditions

• HIV infection

• Immunocompromised state

• Liver disease

• Overweight and obesity

• Pregnancy,

• Sickle cell disease or thalassemia

• Smoking (current or former)

• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease (which affects blood flow to the brain)

• Substance use disorders (such as alcohol, opioid, or cocaine use disorder)

I received the Moderna or J&J COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need a booster shot?

CDC will evaluate with similar urgency available data in the coming weeks to swiftly make additional recommendations for other populations or people who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Related Links:

• COVID-19 Resources

• Health Education Topics