City Of Newton: Questions About COVID-19 Boosters?

Press release from the City of Newton:

11/01/2021 4:18 PM

Can I get a booster COVID-19 vaccine?

You can get a booster dose at least 6 months after you have received a Pfizer or Moderna series if you are:

You can get a booster dose at least 2 months after you have received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine if you are:

Should my booster be the same vaccine I got before or can I "mix and match"?

Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may want to get the vaccine they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. The CDC's recommendations now allow for this type of "mix and match" dosing for booster shots.

What is the difference between a booster and a third dose?

We know that the difference between booster shots and a third dose can be a little confusing. A booster shot and a third dose are not the same. A third dose is recommended for people who got either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and have compromised immune systems. This is because they may not have gotten the level of protection they needed from the first two doses. The third dose provides more immunity. It completes their primary vaccine series. Boosters are an extra dose of vaccine meant to boost a patient's immune system because of decreased immunity over time.

Can I get a flu shot at the same time as my COVID booster?

Yes, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine any time even if you recently received a flu vaccine. You can even get them both on the same day. If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, please speak with your doctor.

You can find more information on boosters on the state's website here. Speak to your health care provider if you have questions about whether a booster shot/third dose is appropriate for you.

In order to locate a convenient site for getting a COVID-19 vaccine:

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. You do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster. Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at www.mass.gov/COVID19booster or on our website at www.newtonma.gov/covidvaccine. 

This press release was produced by the City of Newton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.