Everyone twelve and older can now receive a Pfizer booster dose after five months, and teens between 12 and 15 years old are now eligible, too! 

PHILADELPHIA—The Health Department STRONGLY encourages every Philadelphian over the age of five to get up-to-date on their COVID vaccine. Everyone older than five should be fully vaccinated, with children getting two doses of Pfizer vaccine, and people over the age of 18 getting either two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Everyone twelve and older should also get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible. The CDC has a booster dose eligibility chart to determine what booster dose you should get.

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in concert with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, updated booster dose guidance this week.

It is now recommended that people who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster dose five months after their second dose. Previous guidance recommended people wait six months. People who received Moderna vaccine should wait six months for their booster, while those who received Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster dose after two months.

Teenagers aged 12 to 16 were approved to receive vaccine in May 2021, but until this week were not approved to receive booster doses, even though more than six months had passed since they were first made eligible. As of January 6, 2022, the guidance was updated to allow for anyone aged 12 and older to receive a booster dose, including 12- to 16-year-olds.

“Getting a booster dose is the very best way to prevent severe COVID,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “Given that we’re seeing more people than ever test positive for COVID, we need to do everything we can to protect our city residents and keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed. Booster doses are readily available everywhere that vaccines are available, and I strongly recommend that everyone in Philadelphia get the vaccines they are eligible for as soon as possible.”

Individuals looking for a vaccine, including boosters, are encouraged to visit phila.gov/vaccine to find the nearest City-run or supported vaccine clinic. More options are available at www.vaccines.gov.

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