COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Shots now available for certain previously vaccinated people, plus vaccinations for children should be available in early November, 2021. Your initial COVID-19 vaccination offers strong protection against the virus. But for certain people at higher risk of developing COVID-19, a booster shot may be recommended. The booster shot can help strengthen and prolong your protection against COVID-19.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now approved specific eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots. Booster shots are now available for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

If you are fully vaccinated, and

  • If you’re 65 or older, or

  • if you are over 18 and have an underlying medical condition, or

  • if you are over 18 and live in a long-term care facility, or

  • if you are over 18 and work or live in a high-risk setting,

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.

(For the list of underlying medical conditions, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html),

If you got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you can get a booster shot at least 6 months after you complete your second dose. If you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can get a booster shot at least 2 months after your first dose.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your COVID-19 booster does not have to be the same brand as your initial series. You can choose which brand vaccine you’d like to receive. You may choose to receive the same vaccine you received before, or select a different brand for your booster shot.

COVID-19 booster doses are available at more than 500 locations in Massachusetts, including retail pharmacies. If you are eligible, here’s how to find a location near you:

  1. Visit the Massachusetts online directory(https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/) to view hundreds of vaccination sites, and search for locations offering boosters with available appointments.

  2. For more vaccination options, like mobile pop-up clinics or in-home vaccinations, see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations#booster-information-.

  3. Call the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (2-1-1) and follow the prompts. The Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Because it’s flu season, we also want you to know that you can get a flu shot at the same time as your COVID booster. You can even get them both on the same day. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

And just because we’re listing updates, we want you to know that the FDA is recommending emergency use authorization of Pfizer’s one-third dose vaccine for children ages 5-11. If this passes at the CDC, which is expected, children can start getting vaccinated in early November.

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