When should I get a Covid booster shot?

COVID-19 Booster Recommendations

Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose, regardless of previous vaccination history, with timing based on your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or infection. 1, 2

General Recommendations for Adults

• If you've never been vaccinated for COVID-19 (aged ≥12 years):

  • Receive either 1 dose of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech, or
  • Receive 2 doses of Novavax, 3-8 weeks apart 2

• If you've previously been vaccinated (aged ≥12 years):

  • Receive 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Novavax)
  • Wait at least 8 weeks after your last COVID-19 vaccine dose 1, 2

• If you've recently had COVID-19 infection:

  • Consider delaying your booster by 3 months from symptom onset or positive test 1, 2
  • This timing may provide better immune response 3

Special Populations

For Immunocompromised Individuals

• After completing an initial series and receiving at least 1 dose of a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine:
  • May receive 1 additional age-appropriate dose at least 2 months after the last dose
  • Further additional doses may be administered based on clinical judgment and personal circumstances
  • Any additional doses should be at least 2 months apart 1, 2

For Cancer Patients

• The NCCN recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all persons with cancer or who have been previously treated for cancer
• Vaccination should occur at least 2 weeks before starting immunosuppressive therapies when possible
• For hematopoietic cell transplant recipients, vaccination is recommended 6 months post-transplant, with consideration for earlier vaccination (3 months) during community outbreaks 1

For Children (6 months-4 years)

• Unvaccinated children:
  • Moderna: 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart
  • Pfizer-BioNTech: 3 doses (3-8 weeks between doses 1-2, ≥8 weeks between doses 2-3) 1, 2
• Previously vaccinated children:
  • 1 dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine at least 8 weeks after last dose 1

Safety and Effectiveness

• The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated:

  • 33% effectiveness against COVID-19-associated emergency department/urgent care visits
  • 45-46% effectiveness against hospitalization in immunocompetent adults ≥65 years
  • 40% effectiveness against hospitalization in immunocompromised adults ≥65 years 2

• Common side effects include:

  • Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain
  • Serious adverse events are rare 2, 4

Important Considerations

• COVID-19 vaccination primarily aims to reduce severe disease, hospitalization, and death 2
• Optimal timing for boosters in the Northern Hemisphere is typically early autumn 3
• Boosters provide enhanced protection when immunity from previous vaccination or infection has waned (typically after 6 months) 5
• Report any adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) 1

Remember that COVID-19 vaccines are most cost-effective in adults aged ≥65 years but still provide important protection for all age groups 2.