COVID-19 Vaccines for People Age 12 and Older

Last updated: May 9, 2022

CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated recommendations regarding boosters.

  • People age 12 and older who have received two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should receive a booster a minimum of 5 months after the last dose.
  • People age 18 or older who have received two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should receive a booster a minimum of 5 months after the last dose.
  • People age 18 or older who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine should get a booster a minimum of 2 months after the last dose.

This CDC table can help determine who is eligible to receive a booster and when.

Your COVID-19 booster shot does not have to be from the same manufacturer of your first and/or second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. For instance:

  • If you got two doses of the Moderna vaccine, you could get a booster from Pfizer six months after your second dose.
  • If you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you could get a booster from Moderna two months later.

CDC Guidance on COVID-19 Second Booster Shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated recommendations about second booster doses.

  • People age 50 and older may receive a second booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
  • People age 12 and older who are immunocompromised may receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
  • People age 18 and older who are immunocompromised may receive a second booster dose of the Moderna vaccine.

All second boosters should be at least 4 months after the first booster shot.

CDC Guidance on Third Doses

The CDC recommends a third dose of the Pfizer (age 5 or older) or Moderna (age 18 or older) COVID-19 vaccine for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. This includes people who:

  • Have cancer and are receiving treatment
  • Have had an organ transplant
  • Underwent CAR-T-cell or stem cell transplant in the last two years
  • Are taking medicine to suppress the immune system, such as high-dose corticosteroids or biologics that are immunosuppressive
  • Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
  • Have an advanced or untreated HIV infection

The third dose should be given at least 28 days after the second dose and should be the same mRNA vaccine as previously received. If you do not fall into any of the categories above, a third dose is not recommended at this time. However, you may qualify for a booster.

You do not have to come to Northwestern Medicine for a COVID-19 booster shot. You can choose from many locations in local communities. Use the following resources to find a location near you:

Getting a Vaccine at Northwestern Medicine

Immediate Care Centers

Most* Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Centers offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for:

  • First, second and third doses
  • Booster vaccinations

Vaccinations are offered Tuesday through Saturday (age 12 and older). You do not need to be a patient of Northwestern Medicine to receive a vaccine at an Immediate Care Center. Please bring your vaccination record with you if you plan to get a booster vaccination.

*COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are not available at Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care Centers in Lake Bluff, Lincoln Square and Mokena.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AT AN IMMEDIATE CARE CENTER


Primary Care Sites

The two-dose Pfizer vaccine is available at select Northwestern Medicine Primary Care sites for:

  • First, second and third doses
  • NO booster vaccinations available

You must be a current Northwestern Medicine patient. You do not need to be a patient at the clinic where you get the vaccine.

FIND A PRIMARY CARE LOCATION NEAR YOU

Accessibility Resources

Northwestern Medicine is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. To support patients with disabilities, the following resources are available at our vaccination sites:

  • Wheelchairs are available at the main entry areas of the hospital campus for your use. Our staff can also provide assistance upon request at arrival, such as sighted guide or wheelchair assist.
  • To support effective communication, there are video remote interpreter devices, ClearMasks, sound amplifiers, magnifiers, large print materials, and writing tools available upon request at the check-in area.