The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is updating its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago to be eligible for a second Pfizer or Moderna booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may now receive a second booster dose using a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time, according to the CDC.
Who Can Get COVID-19 Booster Shots
Refer to the chart below for CDC booster dose recommendations and schedule. Although Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are preferred for boosters, the Janssen/J&J COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations.
Recommended Ages | Pfizer | Moderna | Janssen/J&J |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 12 to 17 | First Booster Shot of Pfizer At least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series Second Booster Shot of Pfizer For certain immunocompromised individuals at least four months after the first booster shot | No | No |
| Ages 18 to 49 | First Booster Shot At least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series Second Booster Shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine For certain immunocompromised individuals at least four months after the first booster shot | First Booster Shot At least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series Second Booster Shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine For certain immunocompromised individuals at least four months after the first booster shot | First Booster Shot At least two months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination Second Booster Shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine For certain immunocompromised individuals or those who received a primary and booster dose of the J&J vaccine, at least four months after the first booster shot |
| Age 50 and older | First Booster Shot At least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series Second Booster Shot of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine At least four months after the first booster shot | First Booster Shot At least five months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series Second Booster Shot of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine At least four months after the first booster shot | First Booster Shot At least two months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination Second Booster Shot of either Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine At least four months after the first booster shot |
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Sutter Health Plus covers COVID-19 vaccines for our members, including additional doses or booster shots, even when administered out-of-network. Vaccinations are offered at multiple locations across the Sutter Health Plus service area. Members can check appointment availability through:
- Network pharmacies
- Sutter’s patient portal, My Health Online
- My Turn, California’s COVID-19 vaccine scheduling portal
- The Sutter Health COVID-19 Vaccine appointment line at 844-987-6115
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and Test Results
Members who received their COVID-19 vaccination(s) or testing with Sutter can view and share proof of their COVID-19 vaccination(s) or test results easily from My Health Online. After signing in, members can click the Menu button, scroll to My Record, and select COVID-19 to view details. Visit Sutter’s COVID-19 Vaccine Resources page for more information.
Additionally, all members can go to California’s Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record site to get a link to a QR code and a digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination record.
Additional Resources
For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:
- Sutter Health Plus COVID-19 Coverage, Cost and Access to Care for health plan information and FAQs
- Sutter Health COVID-19 Resources for clinical information, a COVID-19 interactive screener, patient information, and more
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for federal guidance, U.S. data tracking, and public health information
- California Department of Public Health for California-specific alerts, data tracking, resources, and guidance
