CDC, FDA , RI Health Dept: 4th vaccine (2nd booster) now for those over 50, others

In Rhode Island, getting the 4th shot was not yet available at most pharmacies, as their policy is waiting until the CDC issues their approval (following the FDA). Yesterday, that step happened and the RI Department of Health included information on their site. People should now be able to make their appointments at the various vaccine locations for their 4th shot – 2nd booster, following guidelines.

There is a link in Dr. Walensky’s quote you can follow to identify what medical conditions qualify you (see below) – if you are not in the category of ‘over 50’ and there has been sufficient time passed since your 3rd shot (1st booster).

From the RIDOH:

Federal health officials have authorized a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine for some people. People age 50 or older may now receive a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least four months after their first booster dose. People age 12 or older who have moderately to severely compromised immune systems may also receive a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least four months after their first booster dose. People age 18 or older who got a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose may also get a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least four months after their first booster dose. If you have questions about whether a second booster dose is right for you, please talk to a healthcare provider.  

Thank you for your patience while we update our online systems.  To find a booster dose near you, please visit C19VaccineRI.org. To make an appointment over the phone, please call 2-1-1 and select option “9.” 

From the CDC:

Data continue to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals both from infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. For adults and adolescents eligible for a first booster dose, these shots are safe and provide substantial benefit. During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized. CDC continues to recommend that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children 5 and older be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an initial booster when eligible.

Following the FDA’s statement, CDC is updating its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.

Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky:

“Today, CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”

Photo: The White House