January 6, 2022 3:56 PM
FDA and CDC Expand Booster Eligibility
(January 6, 2021) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded eligibility for Pfizer boosters on Monday and shortened the timing of Pfizer’s booster doses from six months to five months.
Children ages 12 to 15 are now authorized to receive a booster dose 5 months after their second dose in their initial series. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aligned with these recommendations.
Earlier this week, the CDC also recommended that immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11 are now authorized to receive a three-dose series of Pfizer, including an extra dose in their initial Pfizer series 28 days after their second shot.
These changes in booster eligibility address the issue of waning immunity over time from an initial vaccine series. Meanwhile, a booster dose is proven to reboot the body’s immune response, resulting in increased protection against both the delta and omicron variants of COVID-19.
The new eligibility guidance enables millions of vaccine recipients to get their boosters right away. A booster COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for anyone who meets the following eligibility:
- Moderna recipients who received their second dose at least six months ago and are 18 years of age or older.
- Pfizer recipients who received their second dose at least five months ago and are 12 years of age or older.
- Pfizer recipients who are 5 years of age and older who are immunocompromised and received their second dose at least 28 days ago.
- Johnson and Johnson recipients who received their initial dose at least two months ago and are 18 years of age or older.
“While we continue to learn about omicron as it rapidly spreads throughout the world, one thing is abundantly clear: vaccines and boosters are limiting the severity of symptoms due to COVID infection,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “If you are now eligible for a booster, take advantage of one of the many clinics in the area this week and next to further protect yourself from the rapidly spreading omicron variant.”
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has returned to San Miguel County with its mobile vaccine clinic. Today through Friday, first, second, third and booster doses of Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson will be administered throughout San Miguel County. Flu vaccines will also be available at each clinic. The remaining clinics for this week’s CDPHE Vaccine Bus Clinics follow:
- Thursday, January 6: Blue Mesa Parking Lot in Mountain Village, 10 am to 5 pm
- Friday, January 7: Pig Palace at the Fairgrounds in Norwood, 9 am to 1 pm
Tri-County Health Network will also be hosting a vaccination clinic in Norwood including free food, giveaways and help with health insurance enrollment during the state’s open enrollment period.
- Saturday, January 15: Lone Cone Library in Norwood, 11 am to 6 pm
For the most up-to-date schedule of vaccine clinics, visit the vaccine page on the county COVID website.