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On Friday, November 19, the ACIP unanimously endorsed making booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available for all adults (18 years and older) who have completed their primary vaccination series – shortly thereafter, the CDC adopted these recommendations. Prior to the ACIP’s recommendation, the FDA amended the mRNA vaccine’s EUA to expand booster doses for all adults.

What does the age group expansion for a booster dose mean?
The recommendations simplify who is eligible for getting a booster dose. Prior to these changes, some age groups were not eligible, depending on their underlying medical condition, occupation, or where they resided. Now, anyone 18 years or older who has completed their primary series and has met the minimum time interval between their last primary series dose before receiving their booster dose is eligible. 

Click on the image below for a larger, printable version of the Booster Recommendations.
Does the age group expansion for booster doses change any recommendations for children (below 18 years)?
No – these recommendations do not apply to children less than 18 years of age. See graph above.
 
Does the age group expansion for booster doses change what type of vaccine booster one should receive?
No – any FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Janssen) can be used for a booster dose, regardless of their primary series vaccination. 
 
For more information regarding COVID-19 vaccine boosters, including eligible population and dosing, please view the Ventegra COVID-19 Vaccine Grid for recent revisions.  This quick-reference resource is updated regularly as additional information becomes available.
We will continue to update the Ventegra COVID-19 Resource Center as new information becomes available and encourage you to check back frequently.
For questions, please contact:
Mark Shinmoto, Pharm.D., V.P. Chief Pharmacy Officer
Ventegra, Inc.