COVID-19 Pfizer Booster Vaccination Recommendations
September 24, 2021This morning, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster for those ages 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of Covid-19 because of their workplaces or institutional settings — in addition to older adults, long-term care facility residents and some people with underlying health conditions.
When the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends COVID-19 Pfizer booster shots, local health departments, including DCHD, will provide details on how individuals can receive the booster. The distribution of booster shots may be different by county based on when and what type of vaccine residents received. At this time, the recommendation for a COVID-19 booster vaccine has only been issued for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have not yet been recommended.
Currently, CDC recommends:
- people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
- people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
- people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
- people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether getting an additional dose is appropriate.
For additional information and updates about COVID-19, visit the DCHD website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/covid-19-vaccine-in-dekalb-county/ or call the DCHD COVID-19 hotline at 815-748-2401. Questions can also be sent to the COVID-19 email, covid19@dekalbcounty.org