August 24, 2021
Clinical Contributors to this Story
Updated: 10/29/21
COVID-19 booster shots are now being offered.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for those who are:
- Over the age of 65
- 18-64 years of age with
- increased risk due to underlying medical conditions which can lead to severe COVID-19, or
- Occupational or institutional exposure to COVID that puts them at high risk
This booster is to be given at least six months after the completion of your first two doses.
Booster shots for those 18 and older who received the one shot regimen of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended at least two months after their initial shot.
That’s a lot to take in, so what does all this mean?
We connected with Hackensack Meridian Health’s chief physician executive, Daniel Varga, M.D., to answer all your questions about the COVID-19 booster shot.
Q: Who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot?
A: “Those who are over the age of 65 are eligible, as well as those who are at an increased risk due to exposure or illness,” shares Dr. Varga. According to the CDC, those who have an underlying medical condition are eligible for a Pfizer or Moderna booster shot, this includes:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Dementia or a neurological condition
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Heart conditions
- HIV
- Immunocompromised conditions
- Liver disease
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Transplants
- Strokes
Additionally, anyone 18 and older who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine should get a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial dose.
Q: What does “occupational or institutional exposure” mean?
A: “Occupational or institutional exposure” are those who are frequently exposed to the COVID-19 virus due to the nature of their work, for example, health care workers can be continually exposed.
Common instances where exposure may be high includes:
- Frontline and non-frontline health care workers
- First responders and police officers
- Teachers and day care staff
- Home caregivers for elderly or immunocompromised individuals
- Grocery store employees
- Individuals living or working in homeless shelters or prisons
Q: Why do you need a COVID booster shot?
A: It is currently unknown how long immune protection lasts from the vaccines. Developed antibodies may decrease over time, weakening your protection against COVID and emerging variants; a booster shot will help reinvigorate that protection.
Q: How does a booster shot differ from a third shot for the immunocompromised?
A: The main differences between the third shot and booster shot are related to who is eligible to get each and timing. The FDA and CDC authorized the use of a third dose of the mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine for the immunocompromised only. This third shot can be given as early as 28 days after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine (vs 6 months for the booster). There is no current recommendation for a third dose for those who received the J&J vaccine.
Those with compromised immune systems may not develop the same amount of protection as compared to those who are not immunocompromised – the third dose is to help bolster their protection.
The booster shot is given to those who’s protection may have decreased over time.
Q: Does this mean the vaccine isn’t effective?
No. Data collected has shown that protection against infection may decrease over time, however the vaccine remains very effective in preventing hospitalizations and death. As time passes, you may be more susceptible to catching COVID-19, but if you’re vaccinated your symptoms are expected to be less severe.
Q: Can I ‘mix and match’ my vaccines?
A: You can now get a COVID-19 booster shot that is different from the one you initially received. This announcement followed the release of a study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which showed that “mixing and matching” COVID-19 vaccines was both safe and effective.
“As the CDC and FDA continue to share recommendations, it can be confusing or overwhelming, but remember your health care provider is always there to help you,” recommends Dr. Varga.
“If you’re having a hard time understanding your eligibility, or are concerned about receiving the vaccine, talk to your doctor and they will help you navigate a decision that’s right for you.”
Next Steps & Resources:
- Clinical Contributor: Daniel Varga, chief physician executive at Hackensack Meridian Health
- To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Get your COVID-19 vaccine – schedule now.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
