BPHC Bulletin: CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Shots

On September 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations:

  • People age 65 and older;
  • People at high-risk for severe COVID-19; and
  • People who work in a high-risk job.

Individuals in these groups who previously received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster starting at least 6 months after their second shot. See the CDC statement.

This recommendation follows FDA’s authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be administered as a booster for certain populations. FDA’s authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, as does CDC’s recommendation.

The following resources are available to help health centers understand what this means and assess readiness:

The following upcoming opportunities can also help clinicians learn more:

  • What Clinicians Need to Know about the Latest CDC Recommendations for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Vaccination: CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call will give clinicians an overview of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccination.
  • COVID-19 Booster Readiness Webcast: HRSA and CDC will provide guidance for health centers on boosters for older adults and those at high risk of severe COVID-19. HRSA Chief of Staff Jordan Grossman will be introducing CDC speakers who will cover booster guidance, best practices to prepare for flu season, and vaccine co-administration.
  • Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates: The webcast will include a segment with Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., the director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, who will provide the latest guidance for health centers on COVID-19 vaccines and other updates on vaccine safety and efficacy.