BPHC Adopts CDC Recommendation of Second COVID-19 Booster for Immunocompromised and Those Over 50

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today announced it is recommending a second COVID-19 booster dose for residents aged 50 and older at least four months after their initial booster dose, as well as those over the age of 12 that are moderately to severely immunocompromised. The Commission's recommendations are aligned with recommendations issued earlier this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). 

Those eligible for a second booster are: 

• Individuals aged 50 and older at least four months after getting their first booster; 
• Immunocompromised individuals aged 18 and older at least four months after getting their first booster; 
• Immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and older may get a second Pfizer booster at least four months after their first booster; and 
• Those aged 18 and older who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago.  

A second booster dose is recommended for these groups due to their increased risk of severe illness that can result in hospitalization and death. Boston and much of the Northeast has seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases recently. At the same time, there have been declines in weekly vaccination rates and waning vaccine immunity.  

"Boosters are essential for preventing severe illness from COVID-19," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "I urge all residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations by getting boosted as soon as possible, and to receive a second booster dose if eligible. Vaccine immunity wanes over time, and boosters are critical to maintaining a strong defense against COVID-19." 



Being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations (having two primary vaccine doses and a booster) is the most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19, but only 52% of Boston's fully vaccinated population have been boosted. There are significant racial disparities among this population--only 46% of fully vaccinated Black residents and 41% of fully vaccinated Latinx residents have gotten a booster. The Commission recommends that all fully vaccinated residents over the age of 12 receive an initial booster dose. While COVID-19 cases are relatively low right now, COVID-19 infection can result in very serious medical problems, including long COVID. Not only have boosters been proven to provide immunity against the Delta, Omicron, and BA.2 variants, there is mounting evidence that suggests they also reduce the likelihood of developing long COVID. 



The BA.2 subvariant poses a substantially higher risk of death and severe illness for those who are unvaccinated. If you have not started your vaccination series, do so immediately.  



COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, including second booster doses for those who are eligible, are available at vaccination clinics across the city. To find a vaccine or booster near you, visit boston.gov/covid19-vaccine or call the Mayor's Health Line at 617-534-5050.