A third Covid-19 vaccination dose, also known as a booster shot, is now available for anyone ages 18 and older that have previously received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Although the first two doses are not interchangeable, people are allowed to choose the booster vaccine they receive, being either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.
The COVID vaccine booster dose is another additional shot to maintain one’s immunity. According to the CDC, “COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the current COVID-19 vaccines. However, in the case of the Moderna, it is half the dose of the vaccine people get for their initial series. For the Pfizer-BioNTech and Janssen vaccine booster shots, the amount of vaccine used for the booster shot is the same as the amount used for other doses of these vaccines.” The CDC recommends waiting around 6 months to get a booster vaccine after receiving a second dose of the previous vaccine.
When will people ages 12-18 be available to receive these dosages? “FDA has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 Vaccine for people 16 years of age and older. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine continues to be available under EUA for people 12 through 15 years of age and for third doses among people with weakened immune systems,” said the CDC, “Additional groups may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data becomes available.”
“COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.” Because of this, the booster vaccine is offered as an additional dosage to protect the immunity of high-risk individuals and is undergoing research and approval for children ages 12-18.