Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | khawkins@srhd.org | 509.324.1539, c 509.994.8968

The Washington State Department of Health announced last week the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup concurred with the expanded COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing for the administration of booster doses for both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines. A booster dose of the Moderna vaccine is recommended at least six months after the primary vaccination series for people older than 65 and people at higher risk for transmission and severe illness from COVID-19. At least two months after receiving the J&J vaccine, it is recommended that everyone 18 and older receive a booster dose.

In addition, the CDC’s clinical guidance advises people to get the same booster as their initial vaccine, but allows people to mix and match (i.e. get a different COVID-19 booster than their initial vaccine) if they have a different preference.

Booster doses for the Pfizer vaccine were authorized last month. It is recommended that some people who received the Pfizer vaccine receive a booster dose six months after the primary vaccination series. As with the Moderna vaccine, those who are eligible for a Pfizer booster are over the age of 65 or are at a higher risk for transmission and severe illness from COVID-19.