COVID-19 Answers to Your Questions About COVID Boosters By Lisa Ellis on 10/27/2021 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its recommendation that certain high-risk groups get boosters of vaccines against COVID-19. The most recent advice, issued Oct. 21, adds recipients of the two-shot Moderna vaccine to the list of those eligible to receive a third, booster dose. The CDC already had recommended in September that certain people who had received the two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine get a booster. The CDC also added a recommendation that anyone who had the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine get a booster because it less effective than the other two vaccines. In addition, the CDC said it’s OK to mix and match doses of the three vaccines against COVID-19. People who received one type of vaccine can obtain increased protection by getting a booster of that vaccine or either of the others. The new CDC recommendations came one day after the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization for the booster doses and for mixing and matching vaccines. The CDC first recommended a third dose for people with weakened immune systems who had received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines because the vaccines did not work as well in these groups. The new advice further expands the pool of those eligible for a booster. Eric Sachinwalla, MD, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, offers the following advice for people who may be eligible to receive boosters. Why is the CDC recommending booster vaccines for some people? Who does the CDC say should get a booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines? Which groups may get a booster of these vaccines if they wish? Why these groups and not others? What about people who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine? Why is the J&J booster offered to a broader group of people than the boosters for the other two vaccines ? Can I get a booster of a vaccine that's different from the one I had originally? How effective are boosters? What are the side effects from a booster? How can I get a booster? How long will the boosters last? Will I need another one? To request a vaccine appointment, call our hotline at 215-456-8088. TAGS CoronavirusCOVID-19COVID-19 BoosterCOVID-19 Vaccine < PREVIOUS POST A GHOULISH SNACK: APPLE MONSTER MOUTHS 10/27/2021 NEWER POST > MEET THE DOCTOR: RAPHAEL BONITA, MD 11/01/2021 WRITTEN BY Lisa Ellis LEAVE A COMMENT Name Email Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. SUBSCRIBE TO PERSPECTIVES First Name Last Name Email* POSTED RECENTLY LIGHT, LUSCIOUS AND HEART-HEALTHY SWEET POTATO PIE 11/24/2021 SURGICAL PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT STUNNED BY A HEART ATTACK AT 45 11/22/2021 NAVIGATING – AND ENJOYING – THE HOLIDAYS WITH DIABETES 11/19/2021 THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE 11/17/2021 MEET THE DOCTOR: GARRETT CAVANAUGH, MD 11/15/2021 ABOUT THIS BLOG Perspectives highlights the expertise and services provided by the physicians, specialists, nurses and other healthcare providers at Einstein Healthcare Network. Through this blog, we share information about new treatments and technologies, top-tier clinical teams and the day-to-day interactions that reinforce our commitment to delivering quality care with compassion. Here, you will also find practical advice for championing your health and wellness. The Einstein Healthcare Network "Terms of Use" apply to all content on this blog. © 2021 Einstein Perspectives Einstein Healthcare Network