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Choosing Your COVID-19 Booster

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1st Booster:

CDC recommends a booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: [ 1 ]

  • For most people, at least 2 months after the primary dose of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
  • For people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, at least 2 months after the additional dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

Up to Date: Immediately after getting 1st booster [ 2 ]

2nd Booster:

People in the following groups can choose to get a 2nd booster of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the 1st booster:

  • Anyone who got a J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for both their primary dose and booster
  • Adults ages 50 years and older
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised

Children and teens ages 12–17 years

Pfizer-BioNTech

Children ages 5–11 years

Pfizer-BioNTech

1 If you have completed your primary series—but are not yet eligible for a booster dose—you are also considered up to date. Stay up to date by getting 1 booster when you are eligible. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.

2 Although mRNA vaccines are preferred for the first booster, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.

Getting a Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

People in certain groups or situations can get a 2nd COVID-19 booster. If you’re in one of those groups or situations, it’s up to you whether to get a 2nd booster right now, based on the benefits and risks the vaccine may provide to you. Your healthcare provider can help you review your options. Here are factors pdf icon[70 KB, 1 page] to think about as you consider a 2nd booster.1Are you eligible?Right now, you’re eligible for a 2nd COVID-19 booster if you:

  • Are 50 years of age or older and got your first booster at least 4 months ago
  • Are moderately or severely immunocompromised, 12 years of age or older, and got your first booster at least 4 months ago
  • Got 2 doses of J&J/Janssen vaccine at least 4 months ago

2Are you (or is someone you live with) more likely to get very sick?Certain factors can make it more likely someone will get very sick from COVID-19. If you are eligible for a second booster (see above), it may be helpful to get a 2nd booster now if you are (or if someone you live with is):

  • Moderately or severely immunocompromised
  • More likely to get very sick from COVID-19
  • More likely to be exposed to COVID-19 through your job, where you live, or other factors (such as frequent travel or large gatherings)
  • In an area with medium to high COVID-19 community levels
  • Or if someone you live with is unvaccinated

3Can you wait?Even if you are eligible for a second booster, you may consider waiting to get a 2nd booster if you:

  • Had COVID-19 within the past 3 months
  • Feel that getting a 2nd booster now would make you not want to get another booster in the future (a 2nd booster may be more important in fall of 2022, or if a new vaccine for a future COVID-19 variant becomes available)

If You Get a Second Booster

  • Make sure it’s been at least 4 months since your 1st COVID-19 booster.
  • Remember that 2nd boosters can only be Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (and for 12 through 17 year olds, only Pfizer-BioNTech).
  • You can self-attest that you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system. This means you do not need any documentation that you have a weakened immune system to get a COVID-19 vaccine (including booster) wherever they are offered.

Scheduling Your Booster

If you need help scheduling your booster, contact the location that set up your previous appointment. If you need to get your booster in a location different from where you received your previous vaccination, there are several ways you can find a vaccine provider.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster: Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

Related Pages

hand holding medical light iconFor Healthcare and Public Health

Considerations for Use of a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster DoseMore Information