Who Should “Boost” Again?
April 12, 2022
The CDC provided guidance recommending those age 50 and older, and those 12 and older who are immunocompromised receive a second COVID-19 mRNA booster (Moderna or Pfizer) if 4 months has elapsed since their first booster. We know that immunity wanes over time, and that booster shots dramatically improve your body’s immune response to Omicron, including BA.2. NCH would encourage all those eligible who have yet to receive their first or second booster to please consider receiving it soon.
This handy chart should explain booster eligibility.
| Eligible For | If you Received Pfizer-BioNTech | If you Received Moderna | If you Received J&J |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Primary Shot (for those moderate to severely immunocompromised) | People age 5+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary shot of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Given 28 days after 2nd shot | People age 18+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary shot of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Given 28 days after 2nd shot | No additional primary shot is recommended at this time |
| 1st Booster Shot | Teens ages 12–17 should only get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shot People age 18+ should get a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations Given at least 5 months after completing primary series | People age 18+ should get a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations Given at least 5 months after additional primary shot | People age 18+ should get a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations Given at least 2 months after initial J&J vaccine. |
| 2nd Booster Shot | People age 50+ should get a 2nd booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations. People age 12+ who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should get a 2nd booster shot of only Pfizer-BioNTech in most situations. Given at least 4 months after 1st booster shot | People age 50+ should get a 2nd booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations Given at least 4 months after 1st booster shot | People age 18+ should get a booster shot of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations Given at least 4 months after 1st booster shot |
NCH now has 2nd boosters available at the sites below. Further information about appointments at the locations listed below is available through this link. Appointments can be schedule in 3 different ways:
- Your MyChart account
- NCH website: https://www.nch.org/appointment/
- Calling 847-618-0242
NCH Hospital Campus, Employee Health
Monday: 8am-4pm Pfizer only
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-4 pm Moderna only
Ages 18 and older
Buffalo Grove ICC
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am-5 pm Pfizer
Ages 5 years and older
Kildeer ICC
Monday & Wednesday: 9am-5pm Pfizer
Ages 5 years and older
Schaumburg ICC
Friday: 9am-5pm Pfizer
Sat/Sun: 8:30am-12pm Pfizer
Ages 5 years and older
Harper College
Mon-Friday: 7am-4pm Pfizer
Sat: 8:30am-11am Pfizer
Ages 18 and older