This information was accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some information may have changed since the original publication date.
Similar to the rationale behind giving boosters for those illnesses, COVID-19 booster shots can help your body maintain a higher level of immunity and protection against breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
Who Is Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots?
COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 6 months and older. They must be administered at least two months following their primary vaccine series or last booster dose. "Evidence shows that a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine improves protection against severe COVID-19 and is not associated with new safety concerns," .
The Rationale for COVID-19 Booster Doses
On September 25, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the first set of guidelines on who may get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This came after public health officials looked at data from other countries where people got a booster dose several months after their primary vaccine series.
- The on COVID-19 booster shots came from Israel, where the government administered a booster shot to almost all adults. Researchers evaluated 1.1 million people over the age of 60 who got a booster. After 12 days, those people were almost 20 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and have severe symptoms than people who did not get a booster shot.
- Currently available data suggests that immunity against COVID-19 goes down over time, and a booster shot can help your body stay protected longer.
Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
Is it safe to get a COVID-19 booster shot and a flu vaccine at the same time?
Both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccines are approved by the FDA. There is no evidence that it is risky to get both shots together, so if you need a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster, you can get both at the same time.
How important is it to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC guidance says that everyone ages 6 months and older should get one. This is stronger than just a recommendation. It is especially true because of more transmissible and contagious strains of the virus.
If I'm experiencing long COVID symptoms, do I need a booster shot?
Evidence shows that the immune protection that develops after getting a COVID-19 infection may not last as long as immunity after full vaccination. Getting a booster shot, even if you are still experiencing "long-hauler" symptoms, can be helpful. You may want to consult with your doctor.
Is it true that someone treated with monoclonal antibodies shouldn't get a booster?
Monoclonal antibody treatments are effective for people within the first 10 days of being infected with COVID-19. If you were treated with this therapy, you should wait at least 90 days before getting a COVID-19 booster shot. Otherwise, the treatment might interfere with the vaccine and keep it from doing its job to build up immunity in your body to future COVID-19 infections.
How can I get a booster shot?
The good news is that it's very easy to get a booster shot. You can make an appointment at your local health department or find a pharmacy nearby that has doses available by visiting .
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This information was accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, some information may have changed since the original publication date.