3rd Doses and Booster Doses
Both 3rd dose and boosters COVID vaccines have different purposes and are intended for different groups of people. A third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can help protect people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses of the vaccines. A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time.
Additional (3rd) Doses
Third doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are available at least four weeks (28 days) after completing the original two-dose vaccine series for individuals age 5 and older in the following categories:
- Recipients of organ or stem cell transplants
- People with advance or untreated HIV infection
- Active recipients of treatment for cancer
- People who are taking some medications that weaken the immune system
Booster Doses
Booster doses are available for the following individuals:
- Are 18+ and it has been 6 months after second dose of Moderna.
- Are 12+ and it has been 5 months after your second dose of Pfizer.
- Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson.
- Qualified for an “additional/third” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions (listed above). You can get your booster (fourth) dose 6 months after receiving your additional/third dose
You may choose which vaccine you want to receive as a booster dose unless you are under 18. Pfizer is the only option for those younger than 18.
Mix and Match boosters
“Mix and match” boosters are authorized by the CDC and FDA. This means that individuals who received one vaccine for the initial dose or doses can get any of the three available COVID vaccines as a booster. For instance, if someone completed the Pfizer series 6 months ago, they could now get Moderna as a booster dose.
You may choose which vaccine you want to receive as a booster dose unless you are under 18. Pfizer is the only option for those younger than 18.
View a COVID-19 3rd dose and booster information sheet HERE.
