Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Recommendations

Arizona Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 09/24/2021 11:35 AM MST
2019 AIPO

COVID-19 Vaccination Communication from the Immunization Program Office

Today’s Topic: Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose

booster shot

The CDC has made the following recommendations for a single booster dose of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine based on recommendations from the ACIP. It is recommended at least six months after completion of an initial 2-dose primary Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series for the following populations:

  • people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
  • people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
  • people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
  • people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

This authorization applies only to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. 

Q: Can I give a booster to my patient who received Moderna or Janssen COVID-19 vaccines?

A: No. The above interim recommendations only apply to individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series. Moderna vaccine efficacy has been higher than Pfizer (after the primary series) against infection, however Moderna has submitted to the FDA for EUA booster dose approval. There is no data indicating J&J vaccine immunity is waning at this time. More information for these vaccines will be coming in the future.

Q: What if I give a dose of COVID-19 vaccine off-label?

A: Pandemic providers should be aware that they must use COVID-19 vaccines according to FDA and CDC guidance. Use of COVID-19 vaccines outside of FDA and CDC recommendations (“off label”) are not recommended and is strongly advised against.

  • It violates the provider’s signed agreement with the CDC.
  • Providers may not be covered under PREP Act and therefore not have the immunity from prosecution that the PREP Act provides.
  • Recipients of an “off-label” COVID-19 vaccine dose may not be covered by the Countermeasure Injury Compensation Program if they were to have serious adverse events from the vaccine.
  • Providers who violate the CDC agreement may not be able to remain as part of CDC programs.
  • COVID-19 vaccine administration fees may not be covered if the dose were given “off-label.”