Walensky overruled ACIP's guidance and supported Pfizer boosters for those in occupations/institutional settings at high risk of exposure to COVID. Originally this group failed in the ACIP vote 6-9.
So the final four groups for boosters are:
- 65+ and those living in long term care facilities at least six months after primary series.
- 50-64 with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for severe COVID at least six months after primary series.
- 18-49 with underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for severe COVID based on "individual risk and benefit" at least six months after primary series. Ideally in consult with their doctor.
- 18-64 in occupational or institutional settings where risk of exposure is high based on "individual risk and benefit" at least six months after primary series. So healthcare workers, teachers, grocery workers, prisons, etc. This was originally part of the FDA's booster guidance.
This only applies for those who received the Pfizer series. Moderna and J&J recipients will have to wait for specific booster guidance in the coming weeks. Mixing data from the NIH is expected any day now, which probably will change the guidance.
So if you received your second Pfizer dose in March or earlier and are in one of these categories you are eligible now for a booster. It will be by self-attestation.
This booster is under EUA not full approval, so off-label use is not allowed.
12-17 year olds are not eligible for boosters at this time due to lack of data on need/safety.