CDC endorses ACIP recommendations for COVID-19 boosters

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., last night recommended a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least six months after completing an initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for certain individuals at risk for severe COVID-19, as proposed by her agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The risk groups are the same as those previously recommended by CDC for the Pfizer booster: people age 65 and older; residents in long-term care settings; adults with underlying medical conditions; and adults who work or live in high-risk settings. 

Walensky also recommended a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults at least two months after receiving an initial Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine dose, as proposed by ACIP.

“There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States,” CDC said. “Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.”