The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a statement yesterday updating its COVID-19 vaccination guidelines to include a second booster dose for some adults, as well as for immunocompromised people age 12 and older.

Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) statement on the new booster guidelines is here.

All of the following booster doses can be received at least four months after receiving a previous booster dose of either Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.

• People age 50 and older may receive either a Pfizer or Moderna booster dose.
• Immunocompromised people ages 12-17 may receive a Pfizer booster dose.
• Immunocompromised people age 18 and older may receive either a Pfizer or Moderna booster dose.
• Adults age 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary and booster doses may receive either a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as an additional booster.

Should you get an additional booster?

Researchers don’t expect another major COVID-19 surge to occur until possibly the fall. However, immunity from boosters tends to wane over three months. If you are in one of the above groups and received your last booster before January 2022, you are now eligible to get an additional booster.

Individuals with moderate and severe immunosuppression may wish to consult with their health care providers as they make decisions about getting another booster dose.

Vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19. The CDC reports that during the Omicron surge, people who had received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine were 21 times less likely to die and seven times less likely to be hospitalized. Another booster dose would add another layer of protection.

If you haven’t received your first booster dose or primary series yet, check out this blog post to find OHA’s high-volume COVID-19 vaccination clinics and other vaccination events near you throughout Oregon. Flu shots are also available at some clinics.