The CDC recommends third doses for immunocompromised people age 5 and older of an mRNA vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna. (Pfizer remains the only vaccine approved for ages 5-17.) The third dose must be given at least four weeks after the second dose. Some of the conditions and treatments that result in immunosuppression include, but are not limited to, the following:
When to get your booster shot
If you got the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine
- Get your booster shot at least 5 months after you completed your primary vaccine series, or
- Get your booster shot at least 3 months after you completed your primary vaccine series if you have a weakened immune system and received an additional vaccine dose
Note: If you’re at least 18 years old, the CDC strongly recommends getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for your booster. Youth ages 12 to 17 can only get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for their booster.
If you got the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine
Get your booster shot at least 2 months after you got your primary vaccine.
Note: If you’re at least 18 years old, the CDC strongly recommends getting either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for your booster.
When to get a second booster shot if you’re eligible
You should get a second booster shot at least 4 months after your first booster if either of these descriptions is true for you:
- You’re at least 50 years old, or
- You’re moderately to severely immunocompromised. If you have a weakened immune system, you may have already received an additional dose and a booster. You can still get a second booster.
You can also get a second booster shot at least 4 months after your first booster if both of these descriptions are true for you:
- You’re between 18 and 49 years old, and
- You had the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID vaccine for both your primary vaccine and your booster
Note: You can choose either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for your second booster.
