Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Booster Shot?

In light of conflicting news reports and mixed messages from federal agencies, it is no wonder Americans feel confused about who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently identified the following groups for a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

• Adults ages 65 and older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• Adults between the ages of 50 and 64 who have comorbidities that increase their risk of serious illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Adults between the ages of 18 and 49 with comorbidities increasing their risk of severe COVID-19 illness who believe they need a booster shot based on their individual circumstances
• Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who live or work in areas of high SARS-CoV-2 transmission, including healthcare personnel

The CDC’s recommendations initially did not include healthcare workers, a group that the US Food and Drug Administration did include in its guidance. However, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, decided to overrule the CDC committee’s decision and add those who are at elevated risk for transmission. Individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are not eligible for a booster at this time. Click here to read more.