Addressing Booster Myths (And Why You Should Get One)

The current booster guidance is complicated, which can make it confusing when you’re trying to figure out if you’re eligible, but there’s a good chance you might qualify for a booster shot. And if you do qualify, you can easily make an appointment for a booster now! 

If you got Johnson & Johnson at least two months ago, it doesn’t matter about your health or your job—you can get a booster.

Some people who originally got Johnson & Johnson are choosing to get a Moderna or Pfizer booster, but you can also get a Johnson & Johnson booster shot. In fact, anyone can mix or match their booster dose with their original dose(s)—the choice is yours!

If you had Pfizer or Moderna at least 6 months ago, you may qualify for a booster – because of your health or job.

Many of the health conditions that qualify you for a booster can be severe, but they can also be more mild.

You may be diagnosed with something that qualifies you for a booster, but it might not be something that you think about day to day. You might also be surprised to learn about the broad range of conditions that are included. Check out the full list to see if you are covered in any way!

Some of the health conditions that are eligible for Moderna and Pfizer boosters include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic lung diseases (including moderate or severe asthma)
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions (including high blood pressure)
• Living with HIV
• Mental health conditions, including depression
• Having a BMI over 25
• Pregnancy
• Current or former smoker
• Substance use disorders

See the full list: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

Your job doesn’t have to expose you to COVID as much as a doctor or a nurse to qualify for a booster.

Many jobs are qualified for a booster, including:

• Anyone working in a health care setting
• Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
• Firefighters and police
• Congregate care staff
• Food and agriculture workers
• Grocery store workers
• Manufacturing workers
• US Postal Service workers
• Public transit workers
• Other jobs not on this list, if you personally determine that a booster shot will protect your health and the health of those around you due to exposure at your job

We have plenty of vaccine to go around.

You don’t have to worry about conserving vaccine for people who are more sick or more at risk than you. We have lots of doses available and we want to get them into as many arms as possible, including yours. Depending on demand, appointments might be limited, but don’t let that stop you from snagging an appointment whenever one is available! You can find an appointment on our website or on vaccines.gov.

Even if you aren’t worried about getting really sick from COVID, there are still good reasons to get a booster.

Boosters help give more protection from COVID-19, which means you’ll be less likely to get sick (and therefore spread it on to others). You and your family will be less likely to have to miss work or school. And with the holidays coming up, getting boosted can help prevent people from getting sick from holiday gatherings. Get a booster if you can so you can experience less illness, less disruption to your daily life, and less severe outcomes!

You can find an appointment on our website or on vaccines.gov.