The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized a second booster dose for individuals who are at the highest risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19. This authorization will provide high-risk individuals another layer of protection against the effects of COVID-19.
Individuals eligible to receive a second booster dose (as identified by the Ohio Department of Health) include:
- People age 50 and older who received an initial mRNA booster dose (Pfizer or Moderna) at least four months ago MAY RECEIVE a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. A second booster dose may be most beneficial for people who are age 65 and older, or who are age 50-64 with certain underlying medical conditions.
- People age 12 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised who received an initial mRNA booster dose (Pfizer or Moderna) at least four months ago MAY RECEIVE a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, age 12+; Moderna, age 18+). This means individuals age 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may receive as many as five doses – the recommended three-dose primary series for people who are immunocompromised, plus two booster doses.
- Based on a newly published CDC report, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago MAY RECEIVE a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Eligible individuals should talk to their healthcare providers to assess individual risks and the benefits of another dose in strengthening ongoing protection.
To make an appointment for a booster dose at the Seneca County General Health District, call (419) 447-3691 ext. 6333.