Booster News Roundup
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This blog is current as of April 5, 2022. COVID news changes fast! Check our vaccination page for the latest information.
On March 29, the CDC updated its guidance to recommend additional boosters for some people. If you’re curious what types of shots you’re eligible for, read on!
Fully Vaccinated & Up to Date: What’s the Difference?
Fully Vaccinated
A person is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving all recommended doses in the primary series of their COVID-19 vaccination. If you’ve received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, you’re fully vaccinated.
Up to Date
A person is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all recommended doses in the primary series and one booster when eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.
COVID-19 Booster Doses for Most People
Everyone ages 12 and up is eligible for a booster, but there are some differences depending on which vaccine type you’ve received, your age, and whether or not you’re immunocompromised.
Please note boosters for 5-11 year olds are not currently authorized.
- Need more info on boosters? See the CDC’s website.
- Find a spot to get vaccinated. Our clinics can provide primary series, first booster, and second booster doses for those who are eligible.
Are you moderately or severely immunocompromised? Skip to that section below.
| If you originally received | Who should get a booster | When to get a booster | Which booster can you get |
| Pfizer | Everyone 12+ | First Booster: At least 5 months after completing primary vaccination series Second Booster: Adults ages 50+ can choose to receive a second booster at least 4 months after their first booster | First Booster: Pfizer/Moderna preferred People age 12-17 can only get Pfizer booster Second Booster: Pfizer/Moderna required |
| Moderna | Everyone 18+ | First Booster: At least 5 months after completing primary vaccination series Second Booster: Adults ages 50+ can choose to receive a second booster at least 4 months after their first booster | First Booster: Pfizer/Moderna preferred Second Booster: Pfizer/Moderna required |
| Johnson & Johnson | Everyone 18+ | First Booster: At least 2 months after completing primary vaccination series Second Booster: Adults ages 18+ who received a primary dose and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson can choose to receive a second booster at least 4 months after their first booster Adults ages 50+ can choose to receive a second booster at least 4 months after their first booster | First Booster: Pfizer/Moderna preferred Second Booster: Pfizer/Moderna required |
Additional doses for people age 5+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
Additional Dose in Primary Series
The CDC recommends that some people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and who are age 5 or older receive an additional dose during their primary series. This means your primary series is three doses of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of a Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
First Booster
People who are immunocompromised and have completed the primary series should get a booster dose. See the CDC’s website for timing and details based on the type of vaccine you’ve received.
Second Booster
The CDC also recommends second boosters for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. A second booster dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age and older with certain kinds of compromised immunity, at least 4 months after receipt of a first booster dose. These are people who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of compromised immunity.
This content is free for use with credit to Public Health Madison & Dane County .
