After receiving approval from the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has approved and recommends a third, “booster” dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after completing an initial Pfizer* COVID-19 vaccine series for:

•  individuals 65 years of age and older and residents of long-term care facilities;
•  individuals 50 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions; and
•  based on individual benefit and risk, individuals 18 through 49 years of age with underlying medical conditions
•  based on individual benefit and risk, people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting

It is important to note this is for individuals whose first two doses were the Pfizer vaccine only. No booster recommendations have been made yet for individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine – additional data needs to be reviewed by the FDA and ACIP before healthcare providers can give boosters to these groups. Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised continue to be eligible for a third dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks after getting their second dose under FDA emergency use authorization and CDC recommendations.

While we are supportive of the goal to prioritize vulnerable populations as part of this plan, we remain focused on ensuring individuals receive their primary series as the best way to prevent COVID-19 hospitalizations and death. We also feel strongly the needs of the global community need to be considered and were pleased to see the Biden administration commit 500,000 additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to countries across the globe, doubling its initial commitment. As long as some of the world remains unvaccinated, we all remain at risk of COVID-19 and its variants.

There is ample supply across the city among providers to meet demand for booster doses. In Chicago, those eligible can find their booster dose through their healthcare provider, at local pharmacies, their employer, healthcare clinics across the city, and other locations and events. Find your vaccine at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax. 

With about a quarter of eligible Chicagoans age 12 and up still unvaccinated, our priority in Chicago remains to get ALL Chicagoans their initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, boosters will not be available through the Protect Chicago At Home program or other City of Chicago-sponsored events unless specified. Booster doses also do not qualify for City incentive programs, including the $100 gift card promotion.

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