Are COVID-19 Boosters Recommended?

For those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine but may not have had a robust enough immune response, a second primary dose is advised. For those who have already received the vaccine but whose immune response has decreased over time, a booster dose is advised. According to research, receiving a booster dosage of COVID-19 can lower your risk of contracting an infection and developing a serious illness. Let us find out the answer to the question; are COVID-19 boosters recommended?

An additional primary dose plus a booster shot should be given to people whose immune systems have been moderately or severely compromised. 

In certain circumstances, the CDC advises receiving additional primary vaccinations and booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine:

Additional primary shot

• The CDC advises the third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccination for those aged 5 and older who have certain immune system weaknesses, such as those who have had organ transplantation. Following vaccination with two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, individuals with compromised immune systems may not develop adequate immunity. They may be more resistant to COVID-19 with a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
• The CDC now advises that children between the ages of 5 and 11 who have immune systems that are moderately or severely compromised receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• The second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least four weeks after the first. The third dosage of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination should be of the same brand as the first two. Any brand of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination may be administered as a third dose if the brand originally administered is unknown.

Booster dose

• Ages 5 and older who have received two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccination or one dose of a Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are advised to receive just one booster dose.
• If at least five months have passed since receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and the individual has received both doses, they are eligible for a single booster dosage. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination booster should be administered to children aged 5 to 17.
• A single booster dose should be administered if you are 18 years of age or older, have had both doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been at least 5 months since your last dose.
• You should receive a single booster dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination if you are 18 years of age or older, have already had one dose, and it has been at least two months.
• In most cases, the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccination boosters are preferred.
• Pregnant women can get a COVID-19 booster shot. as well
• Get one booster dose if you are 18 years of age or older, have a compromised immune system, have received two doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and an additional primary injection, and it has been at least three months since the additional shot. The best COVID-19 vaccination is an mRNA one.
• Get one booster dosage if you are 18 years of age or older, have a compromised immune system, have had one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination and a second primary dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and it has been at least two months following the second shot. The best COVID-19 vaccination is an mRNA one.

Second booster dose

• A second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is advised for some individuals with a compromised immune system and for those 50 years of age and older. Four months after receiving a first booster dose of any authorised or approved COVID-19 vaccine, those eligible can receive a second booster dose.
• For those who had two doses of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination at least four months ago, a second booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 is also advised.
• If you had COVID-19 during the previous three months or if receiving a second booster dosage now will make you reluctant to receive another booster in the future, you might wish to postpone obtaining the second dose.
• A second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is available for children aged 12 and older who have a compromised immune system, received both doses of the vaccine, and received the first dose at least four months prior.