CDC Sets Rules For Booster Shots

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  TRENTON – The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention published regulations for when you can get the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer booster shots.

  “Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose,” the CDC said. “Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.”

  Similar to the beginning of this year, when vaccines were rare, only certain people will be allowed the boosters for now. For those who got the Pfizer or Moderna originally, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series:

  • 65 years and older
  • Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
  • Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
  • Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

  If you want a booster for your J&J vaccine, you have to be 18 and older and you have to wait at least two months since the initial shot.

  In order to get the booster, you must be fully vaccinated.

  To find a site and book an appointment online, visit covid19.nj.gov/finder or call the state’s Vaccine Call Center at 1-855-568-0545.

  State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said that guidance on these shots are being distributed to vaccination partners throughout New Jersey.

  “With the holidays approaching and the Delta variant continuing to impact the state, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get their booster shots as they consider travel and gatherings for the holiday season,” she said.

  Medical officials continue to say to the 65 million Americans who have not yet received any doses that the vaccines are the best way to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease. Further, it has shown that in the case of people who still got sick despite being vaccinated, that the virus’ symptoms and death rate are significantly lower.

  “These recommendations are another example of our fundamental commitment to protect as many people as possible from COVID-19. The evidence shows that all three COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are safe – as demonstrated by the over 400 million vaccine doses already given,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky said. “And, they are all highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even in the midst of the widely circulating Delta variant.”

  There are over 1,600 vaccination sites open to the public in communities throughout New Jersey – many of which have walk-in availability or extended hours. People who can’t leave their homes for medical reasons can contact their local health department or fill out a form at covid19.nj.gov/homeboundvax. If you need help filling out this form, call 1-855-568-0545.

  For more information, visit nj.gov/health.