TL; DR: Everyone aged 5+ years *should* get their *first* booster dose 5 months after their primary series and everyone aged 50+ years or aged 12+ years with a weakened immune system *should* get a *second* booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted authorization for a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 5-11 years who received their primary series at least 5 months ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) then expanded eligibility for booster doses to this age group and made the recommendation that kids aged 5-11 years *should* get boosted.
CDC also strengthened their recommendation that people aged 50 years and older and those aged 12+ with a weakened immune system *should* (instead of may) receive a second booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose.
From CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky,
“Today, I endorsed ACIP’s vote to expand eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. Children 5 through 11 should receive a booster dose at least 5 months after their primary series. Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness. With over 18 million doses administered in this age group, we know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected. I encourage parents to keep their children up to date with CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
With cases increasing, it is important that all people have the protection they need, which is why, today, CDC has also strengthened another booster recommendation. Those 50 and older and those who are 12 and older and immunocompromised should get a second booster dose.”
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