It can be a little confusing figuring out the difference between the COVID vaccine booster shot and third dose. NOAH’s Medical Director, Dr. Vanyo-Novak spells it out in a way we can all remember.
Third Dose
The third dose is an extra dose either mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) that is needed for patients that are seriously immunocompromised. These people need a third dose to produce the same immune response that the two-dose series creates in most people.
The third dose is given at the same increment as the second dose: 21 days for the Pfizer vaccine, or 28 days for Moderna.
Booster
As of today – 10/14/2021 – only Pfizer has received approval for a booster shot in certain circumstances. The booster is given at least six months after the second dose. The booster is only approved for:
- Patients age 18 and older
- Patients that received both Pfizer doses as their initial vaccine series
The booster is currently only recommended for people who are:
- Age 65 and older
- Age 18 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness (ex. diabetes, hypertension, COPD, asthma),
- Age 18 and older that work in jobs with high risk for COVID-19 exposure (ex. healthcare workers, prisons, schools).
You can get your COVID booster and your flu shot at the same time. Schedule them together at one of our health centers today by contacting the team at each clinic here.
If you have additional questions talk to your supervisor or reach out to our Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Vanyo-Novak.
[…] can get your flu shot and COVID booster shot at the same time. Learn more about the COVID booster here. […]