COVID-19 Booster Vaccine

Pfizer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized a bivalent booster of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals 5 years of age and older, two months after the last dose of the initial series or the last monovalent booster shot.

Moderna

The FDA and CDC have also authorized a bivalent booster of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals 6 years of age and older, two months after the last dose of the initial series or the last monovalent booster shot.

Moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals:

• Immunocompromised individuals who received Moderna or Pfizer should receive a third dose as part of the primary series at least 28 days later and then a bivalent booster two months later.

Moderate or severely immunocompromised is defined as the following:

• Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (“TNF”) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory
• Any other moderately to severely immunocompromising condition deemed as such by the treating provider

Of important note: The FDA and CDC also confirmed that eligible individuals can receive a different COVID-19 vaccine as a booster from the one they initially received.

We continue to monitor for new developments and will provide updates if a booster is recommended for additional populations.

For more information, view our vaccine resource guide or visit the CDC.

For those who are immunocompromised, please note the following:

• Immunocompromised individuals who received Moderna and Pfizer should receive a third dose as part of the primary series at least 28 days later and then a bivalent booster two months later.

For more information, view our vaccine resource guide or visit the CDC.

Yes, pregnant women are eligible for the booster. Pregnant women should receive a booster vaccination when its time to get one.

According to the CDC, although COVID-19 vaccination for older adults remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms over time. Clinical trial data show a booster shot may result in increased effectiveness compared to primary vaccination.

The FDA and CDC recently updated their guidance and confirmed that eligible individuals can receive a different COVID-19 vaccine as a booster from the one they initially received.

No. There have been no new side effects reported in patients who received a booster of the vaccine.

No. It is not necessary to get an antibody test before getting a booster.

No, however, the CDC is urging everyone to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. This includes immunocompromised people who are eligible for additional doses and those who are eligible for a booster.

Yes, for those who are 5 years of age and older, it is recommended that you receive the new bivalent booster at least two months after you have completed the primary series or two months after you received the original monovalent booster(s). The Pfizer bivalent booster is authorized for those 5 years of age and older, and the Moderna bivalent booster is authorized for those 6 years of age and older.

The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet. The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.

No, it is recommended that you receive only one bivalent booster at this time, at least 2 months after you have completed the primary series or if you received the original monovalent booster.

Those eligible for a booster can self-schedule on MyBSWHealth.com and the app, or call the vaccine line (1.844.BSW.VACC) to schedule an appointment.

Appointments are preferred. Walk-in availability is extremely limited.

Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, we can offer you a vaccination.

If you have your CDC vaccination card from your first two doses or the single-shot J&J vaccine, please bring that with you.

Yes. If you cannot find your vaccination card, we will provide you with a new one with the date of the booster. You can request a copy of your immunization record from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) site.

If you received your COVID-19 vaccine at a Baylor Scott & White facility, you can also access and print your immunization record, including the lot number, through MyBSWHealth.com using these instructions.

Please speak with your doctor to see whether your specific condition or medication you may be taking qualifies you for recommending the booster.

Baylor Scott & White only has vaccine supply allocated to certain locations conveniently located throughout our service areas. Please click here to view our available locations and scheduling options. Please note that walk-in availability at our sites is extremely limited and appointments are preferred.

If you do receive your booster outside of BSW, please be sure to send a picture of your CDC card to your BSW provider through the MyBSWHealth messaging portal.