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CDC approves booster shot recommendations for Pfizer vaccine

September 27, 2021

CDC approves booster shot recommendations for Pfizer vaccine

Last Friday morning, Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations plus expanded on ACIP’s advice by recommending a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings.

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization and CDC’s subsequent guidance for use make it possible for eligible people to receive a booster dose immediately. It will allow millions of Americans who are at highest risk from COVID-19 to help increase their protection.

This guidance applies only to individuals who have already received the first two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It does not apply to those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Vaccine providers are advised to follow federal guidance when administering COVID-19 vaccines.

CDC recommends:

  • People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
  • People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
  • People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
  • People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The College will keep you up to date on ongoing developments regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

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