CDC recommends booster shot for Pfizer only

Studies show that after being fully vaccinated against COVID19, protection against getting infected by the virus may decrease over time. Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest it is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms. This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of waning immunity and the greater infectiousness of the delta variant.

Data from a small clinical trial show that a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series six months prior. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the delta variant.

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Pfizer-BioNTech booster authorization only applies to people whose primary series was Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. People in the recommended groups who got the Moderna or J& J/ Janssen vaccine will also likely need a booster shot, pending more data on the effectiveness and safety of those shots, which are expected soon.

Thus the CDC recommends for those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series and are aged 65 years and older, as well as aged 50-64 who have underlying medical conditions, should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

People aged 18-64 at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may also want to get a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks. Those who work or reside in certain settings (e.g., health care, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters) may be at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19, which could be spreading where they work or reside. Other occupations considered at a higher risk include first responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff), education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers), food and agriculture workers, manufacturing workers, U.S. Postal Service employees, public transit workers and grocery store employees.

Does that mean the vaccines aren’t working? No. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.

So far, reactions reported after getting the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot were similar to that of the two-shot primary series—mostly fatigue and pain at the injection site—and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. As with the primary Pfizer-BioNTech series, serious side effects are rare; people should contact their primary care physicians with any concerns.

As more data becomes available, the CDC may revise its recommendations to include additional portions of the population, including those who received the two-shot Moderna series or J& J/Janssen.

To find a location that offers the Pfizer-BioNTech booster, visit www.vaccines.gov.