The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has made the following recommendations about COVID-19 booster doses for fully vaccinated people.
Moderna booster dose recommendations
The workgroup recommended the following groups of people who received the Moderna vaccine should receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second dose:
- People 65 and older.
- People 18 and older who live in long-term care facilities.
- People 50 and older who have underlying medical conditions, increased risk of social inequities, or disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities).
These groups may also get a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after their second dose:
- People 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions, increased risk of social inequities, or disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities).
- People 18 and older who live or work in high-risk settings.
Recognizing that systemic inequities increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the workgroup continues to recommend that social determinants of health be included in assessment of conditions that qualify individuals for booster doses.
Johnson & Johnson booster dose recommendation
The workgroup has recommended that everyone 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least two months after their first dose.
People eligible for booster doses can get one using any of the three COVID-19 vaccines.
Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. The federal and Western States Scientific Safety Workgroup recommendations now allow for this type of “mix-and-match” dosing for people eligible for Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster doses. This approach also allows people to get a booster dose at any location that provides COVID-19 vaccines, depending on advice from their health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience.
Vaccinations remain the most effective tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19.
You can find a vaccine here. To learn more:
- Read Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) frequently asked questions about COVID-19 booster doses.
- Read the full press release about the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup Recommendations.
- Read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s press release about their booster dose recommendations.