The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)reviewed the U.S FDA’s amended Emergency Use Authorization of Pfzier’s COVId-19 vaccine for booster doses. The term “booster dose” refers to another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then had that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity).
The CDC has issued Pfizer booster eligibility guidance. Based on those recommendations, the Indiana Department of Health supports the administration of the Pfizer booster dose to:
- people 18 years or older.
- received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as their primary series.
- are AT LEAST six months after the second dose.
- attest to meeting CDC guidelines as outlined below.
- People who present for a booster dose are attesting that they meet these criteria, and it is NOT necessary for people to confirm or prove their eligibility.
The CDC recommended the following eligible indviduals:
- Persons age 65 and older and long-term care facility residents.
- Persons age 50 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions.
- Persons based on individual benefit and risk who are age 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions.
- Persons 18-64 at increased risk of exposure and transmission due to occupational or institutional settings.
Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers as previously detailed by the CDC*·
- First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)·
- Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)·
- Food and agriculture workers·
- Manufacturing workers·
- Corrections workers·
- U.S. Postal Service workers·
- Public transit workers·
- Grocery store workers
- *List could be updated in the future