DHS Supports CDC Recommendation for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for 12 to 15-year-olds
DHS also supports the CDC recommendation for administration of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least 5 months after completion of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) primary series; and for a third, primary dose series for certain immunocompromised children aged 5 -11
This bulletin is being sent to local health officers, tribal health directors, COVID-19 vaccinators, COVID-19 vaccine stakeholders, HERC coordinators, and key DHS staff.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that 12 to 15-year-olds receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine five months after having received their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The DHS is also supporting the recommendation for individuals age 12 and older who initially received an mRNA vaccine series – two doses of Moderna or Pfizer – to now receive an mRNA booster dose five months after completing their initial series.
Finally, the DHS supports allowing for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.
After rigorous review of all available data, the ACIP recommended and the CDC accepted these recommendations. The Interim Clinical Considerations were published on January 7 to reflect these changes, which include:
- Updated guidance for use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine as a booster in people ages 12–17 years
- Updated guidance for administration of a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least 5 months after completion of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) primary series
- Updated guidance for use of an additional primary dose for moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5–11 years who received a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine primary series
- Updated recommendations for people who received COVID-19 vaccines outside the United States that are not FDA-authorized or approved
DHS recommends:
- People between 12 and 15 years of age should receive a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine 5 months after their second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- People 16 and 17 years of age should receive a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine 5 months after their second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- A Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose or Moderna booster dose five months after completion of a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination for those eligible.
- Children 5 through 11 years of age who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second dose to maximize potential benefit from vaccination.
CDC Clinical Considerations and MMWR
The updated CDC Interim Clinical Considerations were released and MMWR are anticipated to be published shortly.
Updated Emergency Use Authorizations
Immunization Policy and Procedure Manual
The Immunization Program Policy and Procedure (P&P) Manual will be updated shortly. Local Health Departments (LHDs) must wait until DHS updates the P&P Manual on SharePoint before starting vaccinations. Non-LHD vaccinators can start vaccinations following the clinical guidance released by CDC.
Primary Series Vaccination
We urge you to continue conversations with folks who are not yet vaccinated.
While booster doses are an important step in increasing access to enhanced protection for people across Wisconsin, there remains large populations of people who are unvaccinated and who are at risk of serious illness and death.
We need a strong continued focus on increasing primary vaccination among these individuals. You can find a number of resources to support these conversations on the DHS COVID-19 Vaccine Partner and Vaccinator Resources webpage.
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