On November 29, CDC strengthened its recommendation on COVID-19 booster doses to include all individuals age 18 and older. Individuals should get a booster dose at least 6 months after their second mRNA vaccination or at least 2 months after their initial Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.
The emergence of the Omicron variant, which has been identified in several states and appears more likely than Delta to cause reinfection, underscores the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts to protect against COVID-19. CDC recommends that everyone ages 5 and older should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible and all fully vaccinated adults should receive a booster dose at the appropriate interval.
Part of the CDC news release from CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, appears below:
Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant. I strongly encourage the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to vaccinate the children and teens in their families as well because strong immunity will likely prevent serious illness. I also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.
Related Links
- CDC news release: CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations (11/29/21)
- CDC: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States: Booster Dose main page
- CDC: COVID-19 Booster Shots main page
- CDC Health Alert Network: New SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Identified: Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant (12/1/21)