Frequently asked questions
Information on the Pfizer Only Booster Dose
Who is eligible for a Pfizer Booster Dose?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that adults in certain groups who have received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine receive a booster dose of the same vaccine.
While all COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection for most people, a booster shot can help strengthen protection against severe disease in populations whose immunity may have started to wane and who are at high-risk of exposure to COVID-19 or complications from severe disease.
CDC recommends:
- people aged 65 years and older and residents of 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.
It’s important to note that this applies only to the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine and only to people 18 and older.
CDC does not recommend booster doses for recipients of the Moderna or J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines at this time. Mixing and matching vaccine brands is not currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration or recommended by the CDC.
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Information on the 3rd dose vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients
On Aug. 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Emergency Use Authorization fact sheets to include guidance on administering an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that people whose immune system are moderately to severely compromised receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after an initial two-dose mRNA series (Pfizer or Moderna).
Who would be considered an "immunocompromised individual"?
Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.
Which COVID-19 Vaccine should I receive for my 3rd dose?
The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the initial two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). If the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available, the other mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered. A person should not receive more than three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses.
What if I want the 3rd dose but I'm not considered "immunocompromised"?
It’s important to note that an additional dose is only recommended for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
I received the J&J and am considered "immunocompromised. What do I do?
Currently, there are insufficient data to support the use of an additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose after a single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccination series in immunocompromised people. FDA and CDC are actively working to provide guidance on this issue.
Immunocompromised individuals may discuss with their health care provider whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. If their health care provider is not at a site administering vaccines, these individuals can self-attest and receive the additional dose wherever vaccines are offered.
For more information, please visit : https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html.
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What if I don't have insurance?
No problem! You can still get the vaccine for free. When you arrive for your appointment, you'll simply check the "uninsured" section on our form when you're completing your paperwork.
If I got my first dose of the vaccine at another location, can I get my second dose from you?
Yes. We'd be happy to provide your second dose, as long as it's the same brand of vaccine as your first dose!
Is the Pfizer vaccine approved for ages 12+?
(As of 5/12/21) "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) today recommended the Pfizer vaccine be used in all adolescents from ages 12 to 15 years. With today’s CDC approval, all providers with Pfizer vaccine on hand should begin to vaccinate young people in that age group. "
Have additional questions?
Email us at covid19@trinityapothecary.com