Are you under 50 and wondering if you can get a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? The answer is yes, but only for certain individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are age 50 and older, as well as those who are immunosuppressed and aged 12 and older, are eligible for a second booster dose. This is due to the fact that only 28% of people aged 50 and over have received their second booster dose, leaving many people vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. The CDC recommends that those aged 50 and over receive their second booster dose at least four months after their first booster dose.
Additionally, the White House's COVID-19 response coordinator, Ashish Jha, has stated that the decision to expand the availability of a second booster depends on the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC. The most convincing evidence to support a second booster shot has been seen in older adults and people with weakened immune systems; there is not much data showing a benefit for younger adults.
However, the FDA advisory committee will meet on June 14-15 to review policy recommendations to the federal agency, and the FDA is expected to make a decision shortly thereafter on whether the vaccine series is available to younger children; the CDC will then make its own recommendation. Data continues to demonstrate the importance of vaccination and booster doses in protecting people from both infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Following today's meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), CDC will expand the eligibility of booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone for 5 years of age. If you are age 50 or older, here's how you can get your second COVID-19 booster shot: contact your local health department or healthcare provider for more information on how to get your second dose.
It is important to note that while older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group for first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their main series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many people vulnerable without the protection they could need to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
