NJ COVID Booster Shot Rollout: What You Need To Know

NEW JERSEY — Third doses against COVID-19 have begun in New Jersey. While it may take some time before most become eligible, now is the time to get informed.

State officials provided insight Monday on New Jersey's booster rollout. A third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals is now available in the Garden State, a shot "intended to ensure that [immunocompromised people] have enough protection against COVID because they may not build up the same level of immunity as other people," said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli.

Earlier in August, President Joe Biden announced that booster shots will be available in the nation starting Sept. 20. The FDA and the CDC have already authorized a third dose of either Pfizer or Modera COVID-19 vaccines for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Read more: COVID-19 Booster Shot Authorized For Immunocompromised

Here's what you should know about the COVID-19 booster shots.

Who's eligible?

The FDA amended the emergency-use authorizations Aug. 12 for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allow for an additional dose for immunocompromised patients. This includes people with a range of conditions, including recipients of organ or stem-cell transplants, people with advanced or untreated HIB infection, active recipients of cancer treatment and people taking medications that weaken the immune system.

The CDC has a full list of conditions for eligibility. The agency does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for anyone else at this time, but the Department of Health and Human Services announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 boosters this fall. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will continue to meet and discuss data on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, making further recommendations for boosters.

What vaccines are available for the third dose?

New Jersey made the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available for third doses Aug. 14. Patients should get the same vaccine they received before. But if the vaccine administered for the first two doses is not available, the other may be administered.

What about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

About 420,000 New Jerseyans have received Johnson & Johnson's COVID vaccine. It is likely they will need a booster dose, according to the CDC. But federal officials haven't approved it yet.

Because the J&J vaccine wasn't given in the United States until 70 days after the Pfizer and Moderna shots, the data needed to make the decision on booster doses isn't available yet, according to the CDC. More data is expected in the coming weeks.

Can people who received the J&J vaccine get a Pfizer or Moderna shot?

The CDC says no. There isn't enough data to support the action.

What are the risks of getting an additional dose?

There is limited information about the risks of receiving another dose, according to the CDC. So far, reactions reported from a third dose have been similar to that of the two-dose series. Fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side-effects, and most symptoms were mild to moderate, the CDC says.

As with the two-dose series, serious side effects are rare but may occur. Find more info from the CDC.

What should I bring?

Individuals should not be asked for proof of their condition or need a doctor's note, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Patients can bring their vaccine card or show it via the Docket app. But if they don't have it, vaccine providers should look up their record on the state's vaccine registry.

Where can I get the third shot?

Immunocompromised patients should be able to get a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at any location offering them. All existing vaccine sites are being instructed to offer third doses, and all have been advised to accept walk-ins.

To find a site, visit New Jersey's vaccine finder.

What about homebound individuals?

Caregivers or representatives of immunocompromised, homebound individuals can contact the New Jersey Vaccine Call Center at 855-568-0545 for additional guidance.