CDC updates recommendations for the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Booster doses are recommended for people aged 12 through 15 years.
On Jan. 3, the FDA amended EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include the use of a single booster dose to include people 12 through 15 years of age.
On Jan. 5, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met and recommended expanding eligibility of booster doses to people aged 12 through 15 years. CDC also strengthened their recommendation that adolescents ages 12 through 17 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.
With this updated CDC recommendation, all persons age 12 years and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 booster dose. When to give a booster dose and at what age is dependent on the vaccine that was administered for the primary series:
- Pfizer recipients age 12 and older should get a booster at least 5 months after completion of the primary series (includes additional 3rd primary dose, when indicated).
- Moderna recipients age 18 and older should get a booster at least 5 months after completion of the primary series (includes additional 3rd primary dose, when indicated).
- Johnson & Johnson recipients age 18 and older should get a Pfizer or Moderna booster at least 2 months after the primary dose.
A booster dose for children younger than 12 years is not recommended at this time. Refer to CDC’s media statement at CDC Expands Booster Shot Eligibility and Strengthens Recommendations for 12-17 Year Olds.
**For parents with children age 5-11 years.**
Effective Tuesday, November 2, 2021, the Pfizer vaccine was approved by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) .
- Children age 5-11 years old should get the Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds. This is the only vaccine authorized for children age 5-11 at this time.
- The Pfizer vaccine for children age 5-11 is a smaller dose of vaccine than the Pfizer vaccine for people age 12 and older.
- The Pfizer vaccine for children age 5-11 is packaged differently, so you will want to go to a vaccine location that has this vaccine.
- Your child will need two doses of this vaccine. They should get the second dose 3 weeks after the first dose. It is important to get both doses of vaccine for the best protection.
Additional information can be found at this link: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/vaxforkids/
Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is now fully FDA approved for people 18 and older for 1st & 2nd doses. The Emergency Use Authorization is still in effect for children ages 12-17.
Pfizer is a 2-dose series and you will automatically be scheduled for your 2nd shot at the appropriate time. This will be reviewed with you at your first appointment.
We continue to receive Pfizer vaccine weekly. As a courtesy, if it is necessary to cancel your appointment either contact SCMC at (320) 589-7600 or cancel online.