When Should I Get Boosted?
Jan 07, 2022
A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help you maintain your level of immunity from coronavirus for longer.
There are new recommendations from the CDC and FDA on when and how old you must be to get a booster shot.
Pfizer Booster
- 5 months after receiving both Pfizer vaccine doses.
- Must be 12-years old or older.
- Moderately to severe immunocompromized may receive a booster 6 months after their 3rd dose.
Moderna Booster
- 5 months after receiving both Pfizer vaccine doses.
- Must be 18-years old or older.
- Moderately to severe immunocompromized may receive a booster 6 months after their 3rd dose.
Johnson & Johnson Booster
- 2 months after receiving both Pfizer vaccine doses.
- Must be 18-years old or older.
What is the difference between a booster and an additional dose?
A COVID-19 booster is given when a person has completed their vaccine series, and protection against the virus has decreased over time. Depending on the original series you had, some details will vary. Please review the booster eligibility information above and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure if you meet these guidelines. Please note, if you receive the Moderna booster, you will receive half of the original Moderna dose.
An additional dose is administered to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. This additional dose is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series. Depending on the original series given, some details will vary. Please review the additional dose eligibility information and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure if you meet these guidelines.
Does my COVID-19 booster (or additional dose) have to be the same brand that I got before?
No, you do not need to get the same brand for your booster as your initial vaccine. You can mix and match brands. The FDA has authorized three vaccine boosters — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson — and determined that it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster or additional dose that is a different brand than your initial dose or doses. Any of the COVID-19 vaccines can be used for booster vaccination, regardless of the vaccine you initially received.
NOTE: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine and booster currently authorized for individuals ages 12 and older (1/7/22).
Where can I get a COVID vaccine booster?
If you are looking for a booster shot in Wichita, KS, there are many places offering vaccines throughout Sedgwick County. HealthCore Clinic is an official vaccination site that has all 3 vaccines — you can schedule an appointment or come during walk-in vaccination hours:
Pfizer Vaccine Walk-ins
Thursdays 3-6 PM
Adult, adolescent, and kids
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots
Moderna Vaccine Walk-ins
Fridays 9-11 AM
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster shots