COVID-19 vaccine third doses and booster shots: Who is eligible and how to get one

Who is eligible to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, CDC is recommending a third dose for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. This includes those individuals 12 and older who have:

• Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day) or other drugs that may suppress your immune response, such as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, TNF blockers and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory. The UT Health Science Center San Antonio Vaccine Task Force recommends methotrexate also be included in this list, but not hydroxychloroquine.

How long should I wait to get a third dose?

• Wait at least 28 days, after receiving your second dose.

Which brand of the COVID-19 vaccine should I get?

CDC recommends a third dose to those with compromised immune systems who have received mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). Preferably, your third dose should be the same vaccine brand you received for your first series of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). However, if you’re unsure of the brand, or the brand is not available, you can receive either mRNA vaccine for your third dose.

This recommendation does not apply to those who received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine. It is expected that the need for additional doses in these people will be addressed later after more data is available.

How can I get my third COVID-19 vaccine?

Current UT Health San Antonio patients who are immunocompromised should use MyChart to schedule their third COVID-19 vaccine.

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Where can I learn more about third COVID-19 vaccines?

Visit the CDC.gov website to read the most updated information about third doses of mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccines.

Who is eligible to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot?

Currently, only those who have received the first series of two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines may receive a Pfizer booster shot, if they meet one of the following requirements:

• Aged 65 years and older and adults 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions.
• Residents of long-term care settings aged 18 years and older.
• People aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions.
• Aged 18-64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational or institutional setting (e.g., health care, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters).
• Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front-line essential workers and health care workers as previously detailed by the CDC.*
• First responders (health care workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
• Education staff (teachers, support staff, day care workers)
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections workers
• U.S.P.S. workers
• Public transit workers
• Grocery store workers
• List could be updated in the future

How long should I wait to get a booster?

• Wait at least six months after receiving your second dose.

Which brand of the COVID-19 vaccine booster should I get?

Currently, Pfizer booster shots are only authorized for people whose first two shots were Pfizer. Those who received Moderna or J&J/Janssen vaccines will likely need a booster shot. More information from the CDC is expected soon. Information will be updated when final recommendations are received.

How can I get my COVID-19 booster?

Current UT Health San Antonio patients who meet eligibility requirements should use MyChart to schedule their third COVID-19 vaccine.

Login to schedule now with MyChart

Create your MyChart account

Where can I learn more about COVID-19 booster shots?

Visit the CDC.gov website to read the most updated information about COVID-19 booster shots.