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Increase in Omicron Cases Prompts Experts to Address Booster Vaccine Inquiries

COVID-19 booster shots are now accessible for all adult Americans, yet certain demographic groups are strongly advised to receive a booster. Glean important insights and responses to common queries related to COVID vaccinations from our team of COVID vaccine specialists.

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COVID-19 Omicron Surge Sparks Inquiries Regarding Booster Shots: Expert Responses Explained
COVID-19 Omicron Surge Sparks Inquiries Regarding Booster Shots: Expert Responses Explained

Increase in Omicron Cases Prompts Experts to Address Booster Vaccine Inquiries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have updated their guidelines for COVID-19 booster doses. Here's what you need to know:

  • UR Medicine patients can schedule a booster appointment through their MyChart account, find clinics near them on the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub website, or the CDC resource page.
  • The CDC currently recommends COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 and older, adults with underlying health conditions, and anyone 12 years and older for a booster dose. Healthy adults under 65 and children without pre-existing conditions are generally not recommended to receive the vaccine under the new guidelines.
  • The CDC updated its guidance on COVID boosters on January 5, 2022, to recommend that anyone 12 and older get a COVID booster.
  • Pregnant people who get a COVID vaccine primary series or booster may be eligible to participate in a COVID Vaccine Pregnancy study.
  • The CDC recommends a booster dose for individuals 12 years and older. For anyone 18 or older, the recommended booster is the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech, while for those 12 or older, the recommended booster is the Pfizer/BioNTech.
  • The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID booster is now authorized for adolescents 12 to 15 years old. It is recommended to be given five months after completion of the primary vaccine series.
  • If you have difficulty locating a place to get a booster, contact your primary care provider for further direction.
  • Recovered individuals from COVID-19 may not require a booster for three to six months after full recovery.
  • Wearing a mask in public indoor settings is still necessary, even after being boosted, especially in areas with high COVID transmission.
  • All U.S. adults are now eligible for COVID vaccine boosters.
  • The FDA and the CDC have approved a mix-and-match approach to COVID vaccine boosters. However, the CDC now recommends the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech boosters for anyone 18 or older and the Pfizer/BioNTech for anyone 12 or older.
  • The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine has been authorized for use since December 2020, and the Moderna vaccine since December 2020. The FDA authorized use of Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine boosters for anyone 18 and older on November 19. The FDA has also amended the emergency use authorizations of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech.
  • The efficacy of mRNA vaccines for preventing severe disease remains very high. Side effects of COVID booster doses are similar to those associated with the original shots.
  • Pregnant people who get COVID can become seriously ill, and boosting during pregnancy is very reasonable. Pregnant people who get a COVID vaccine primary series or booster may be eligible to participate in a COVID Vaccine Pregnancy study.

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