Updated (Bivalent) Booster Information
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying. As with other vaccine-preventable diseases, you are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including recommended boosters.
The updated (bivalent) boosters are called “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5.
Two COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have developed updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters.
Bivalent Booster Quick Facts
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Bivalent booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were 37% more effective than older booster shots at reducing the risk of severe COVID-19.
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The increased protection against hospitalization or death was seen regardless of age or whether people had previously received a different booster.
Is it safe to get a third dose?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and independent experts have determined that the benefits of getting a third dose outweigh any known or potential risks.
Should I get a vaccine if I recently had COVID-19?
If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose (whether a primary dose or booster) by 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test.
Reinfection is less likely in the weeks to months after infection. However, certain factors, such as personal risk of severe disease, or risk of disease in a loved one or close contact, local COVID-19 Community Level, and the most common COVID-19 variant currently causing illness, could be reasons to get a vaccine sooner rather than later.
Where can I get a booster?
You can get a booster at the same places as other vaccine doses, such as City-run vaccination sites, pharmacies, hospitals, community health centers, and doctors’ offices. You do not need to get your third dose at the same site where you got your first two doses. To find a vaccination site, go to nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4-NYC (877-829-4692). Look for a site that offers the same vaccine brand as your first two doses (Pfizer or Moderna). You can also schedule free in-home vaccination by visiting nyc.gov/homevaccine or calling the above number.
Choosing a Booster for Children (6 months - 17 years)
6 MONTHS–4 YEARS
When I am considered up-to-date?
Which vaccine?
Primary series
Booster?
A booster is not recommended for this age group at this time
Pfizer-BioNTech
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
3. Third Dose
(At least 8 weeks after)
2 weeks following your third dose
Children 5 years of age can get a Pfizer-BioNTech booster at least 2 months after their 2nd dose. (Children 6 months to 4 years are not recommended for a booster.)
Moderna
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(4-8 weeks after)
Children 6 months to 4 years: two weeks after completing the 2nd dose of their primary series.
Children 5 years of age who received a Moderna primary series: up to date immediately after they have received the most recent booster recommended for them
5-11 YEARS
When I am considered up-to-date?
Which vaccine?
Primary series
Booster?
At least 2 months after 2nd dose or last booster, children age 5 years can only get a Pfizer-BioNTech booster, and children ages 6–11 years can get a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster.
Pfizer-BioNTech
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
6-17 YEARS
When I am considered up-to-date?
Which vaccine?
Primary series
Booster?
Moderna
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(4-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
12-17 YEARS
When I am considered up-to-date?
Which vaccine?
Primary series
Booster?
Pfizer-BioNTech
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
Novavax
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
Choosing a Booster for Adults (18+ years)
When I am considered up-to-date?
Which vaccine?
Primary series
Booster?
Pfizer-BioNTech
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Moderna
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(4-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Novavax
1. First Dose
2. Second Dose
(3-8 weeks after)
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
*A monovalent Novavax booster is available in limited situations
J&J/Janssen
1. First Dose
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna
At least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
*A monovalent J&J/Janssen booster is available in limited situations.
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
Immediately after you have received the most recent booster recommended for you
More Information on Boosters from the American College of Physicians
