The COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot: What to Know

The CDC has announced the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot is now available to individuals 18 years and older. As information about the vaccine and COVID-19 are constantly changing, we want to make sure you're informed on the most recent developments.

Here's what to know about the COVID-19 booster.

Who is Booster Available to?

Currently, the CDC recommends the booster shot for individuals who are 18 years and older who:

• Received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago.
• Received both shots of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago.

Additionally, those who are moderate to severely immune-compromised (3% of the adult population) are vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. The CDC recommends an additional dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 28 days after the initial 2 doses for these individuals. Read more about the additional dose here.

Which Booster Should I Get?

No matter which initial COVID-19 vaccine(s) you received, the CDC has approved "mixing and matching" specifically for the booster shot. This means that if you received your initial COVID-19 dose(s), you can receive any of the COVID-19 booster vaccines authorized in the United States.

When Should I Get the Booster?

If you received both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines and you are 18 years or older, you should get your booster at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Again, you can receive any of the COVID-19 booster vaccines authorized in the United States.

If you received your single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine and you are 18 years or older, you should get your booster at least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. Again, you can receive any of the COVID-19 booster vaccines authorized in the United States.

Schedule Your Booster at Apicha CHC

Call us to schedule your booster dose at (212) 334-6029, or fill out the appointment form on our website.

You can also visit one of our pop-up clinic events, where we offer Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Booster shots. No appointment is necessary.

Be sure to bring your official CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card with you to your appointment.

After you are scheduled for the vaccine, you will be asked to self-attest on the New York State COVID Vaccine Form https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine. Proof of self-attestation will be required at the time of the vaccine appointment.

You will not be asked for any additional information about your qualifying medical condition.

Have Questions About the Booster Vaccine?

We understand you may have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated. At Apicha CHC, we offer the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster vaccines. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC.