Booster / 3rd Dose

In 2021, two kinds of extra COVID-19 vaccine doses became available: a third dose and a booster. In August 2021 the county health officer explained the difference. A third dose was for people with weak immune systems. A booster was to strengthen protection for the general public. Both used the same vaccine as the first shots.

Third dose (August 2021)

On August 13, 2021, the CDC recommended an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for people with moderately to severely weakened immune systems. The CDC said these people do not always build the same level of protection from two doses.

  • Examples included people with organ or stem cell transplants, people with advanced or untreated HIV, people in active cancer treatment, and people who take some medicines that weaken the immune system.
  • The third dose was to be the same vaccine as the first two doses.
  • It was given at least four weeks after the second dose.

Booster dose (fall 2021)

  • September 24, 2021: the CDC recommended a Pfizer booster at least 6 months after the second Pfizer dose for people 65 and older, residents of long-term care, and people 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions. People 18 to 64 with medical conditions or at higher risk from their job or where they live could also get one.
  • October 21, 2021: the CDC added boosters for the same groups after a Moderna series. People 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine could get a booster two or more months later. People could choose a different vaccine for the booster.
  • November 19, 2021: the CDC expanded boosters to all adults 18 and older, at least six months after the second Pfizer or Moderna dose.

In late October 2021, 75 percent of Kanawha County residents had their first shot. The health officer invited anyone due for a first, second or booster shot to come to the health department.

See Health Advisory #178, COVID-19 vaccine booster, booster available to all 18 or older and Don’t wait, set your booster date.

This guidance is from 2021. CDC has since replaced it with updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance. Check current guidance from the CDC or your doctor.

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