Child receiving booster vaccine shot

It's Time To Get Your COVID-19 Booster

September 30, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing which is why it's important to get your booster shot. Learn about how it can provide you additional protection against COVID-19 and when you should get yours.

Who Needs a COVID-19 Booster?

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, which includes both the initial dose and the most recently recommended boosters.

Currently, the CDC recommends an initial dose for anyone six months and older and boosters for those over five years old:

  • Children under five: no booster recommended

  • Children 5-11: booster recommended depending on initial dose type

  • Children 12-17: bivalent booster recommended; must be Pfizer-BioNTech

  • Adults 18+: bivalent booster recommended; can be Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna

Even if you've already been infected with COVID-19, getting a booster once you recover will provide you with added protection from the virus.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Booster?

As is true for other vaccines that require booster shots, such as those for tetanus or the flu, the COVID-19 vaccine is most effective when you get a booster. Data shows that boosters provide improved protection against COVID-19 infection, especially as new variants emerge over time.

The boosters, which are made up of the same formula as the initial dose, continue to protect the general population from severe illness, hospitalization and death. They're particularly important for adults over the age of 65 as well for those with compromised immune systems.

Am I Still Protected Without the Most Recent Booster?

While you do have some protection against severe illness and death after both the primary vaccine series and one booster, it does lessen over time.

However, staying up to date by receiving the most recently recommended (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccine booster reduces your risk of infection.

To find a location offering the COVID-19 booster near you and make an appointment, check out Massachusetts VaxFinder or the CDC's Vaccines website.