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:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Planning Checklist for Health Centers – the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create this checklist for health centers with information and tips, including resources to stay connected, readiness reminders, guidance on vaccine supply and administration, and more.
- Updated CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Webpage
- Updated Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorized in the United States
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.
- Tuesday, September 28
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
- Tuesday, September 28
- 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.
- Friday, October 1
2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
- Friday, October 1
- 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.
- Tuesday, November 9
3:00-4:00 p.m. ET
Join the day of the session
- Tuesday, November 9