CDC Strengthens Recommendations and Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots

May 20, 2022

On May 19, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a third (booster) dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 years. This announcement came after CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine in this younger population. FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose for children 5 through 11 years on Tuesday, May 17. 

Children aged 5 through 11 years should get their third dose at least five months after their second dose. 

In addition, CDC strengthened its recommendation that people 50 and older and people 12 and older who are immunocompromised should receive a fourth dose (second booster) at least four months after their first. This update to their previous recommendation comes due to the fact that, while older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their primary series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Providers can now begin administering third doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5 through 11 years.