COVID-19 Booster Shots: Everything you Need to Know

Last Updated on Jan. 11 2022

With COVID-19 continuing to spread, additional booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are available for some vaccinated Americans. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved under emergency use authorization (EUA) a single COVID-19 booster shot from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for vaccinated individuals over a certain age. 

What is a Booster Shot? 

The booster shot is an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Scientific data shows that an additional booster shot helps increase the immune response and improve protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. While COVID-19 vaccines remain effective, protection against the virus may decrease and be less effective overtime. 

Who is Eligible? 

The Pfizer vaccinated individuals 12 years of age and older can receive a single booster dose five months after receiving the second vaccine dose. Vaccinated individuals 18 years and older who received the Moderna vaccine can receive a single booster dose five months after receiving the second vaccine dose. Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older can receive the booster dose two months after the single-shot vaccine. 

Does a Booster Mix and Match Work?

FDA has approved the mix and match of COVID-19 vaccines, allowing eligible individuals to get a booster shot from a different brand than the initial doses. FDA data shows that the use of a single booster dose outweighs the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.

What are the Risks? 

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, people may experience some common side effects that typically go away after a few days. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The most common side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine may include redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills and joint pain. Similar to the first two-dose shots, serious side effects may occur but can be rare.  

Does BayCare Offer Booster Shots? 

BayCare does not provide COVID-19 vaccines or booster shots Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Vaccines, including the booster shots, are widely available through local community settings and retail pharmacies across the Tampa Bay area.  

For more information, visit BayCare.org/Coronavirus.