FDA and CDC endorse COVID-19 vaccine booster for all adults 18 and older

October 25, 2024

swedish health team

Dec. 9 update: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Dec. 9 that it was amending the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include booster shots for 16 and 17-year-olds. The FDA guidance is fully approved by the Washington State Department of Health and authorizes a single booster shot for 16 and 17-year-olds, six months after they receive their primary vaccination of the Pfizer vaccine. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Jan. 5, 2022, update: The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to expand eligibility for booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children and adolescents, 12 to15 years of age. The CDC also now recommends that adolescents 12 to 17 years old should receive booster shots 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Jan. 31, 2022, update: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. The approval means that the Moderna vaccine meets the FDA's rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventon, Moderna' vaccine is recommended for people age 18 and older and should include a booster shot five months after the initial series.

March 29, 2022, update: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the Emergency Use Authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to include a second booster dose for people 50 years of age or older and certain immunocompromised individuals. For immunocompromised individuals, Moderna is available for those 18 years of age and older. Pfizer is available for those 12 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it would update its vaccine guidance to reflect the FDA’s decision.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Nov. 18 that it has approved booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 18 and older. Previously, boosters were recommended only for anyone aged 65 and older or those age 18 or older who live in a long-term care setting, have an underlying medical condition or live or work in a high-risk setting. The change in criteria for boosters opens up eligibility for tens of millions of fully vaccinated adults and follows guidance already in place in at least 10 states.

“Authorizing the use of a single booster dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older helps to provide continued protection against COVID-19, including the serious consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death,” Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., said in a statement.

Today, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously approved the FDA recommendation.

“The approval of Pfizer and Moderna for booster shots six months after the initial series is a critical step to provide greater protection against COVID-19 disease and will save lives,” said Donna Jensen, chief nursing officer physician enterprise, Puget Sound, at Swedish. “We are just beginning to see a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and with the holidays coming up, it will be important for everyone to take every step they can to not only protect themselves, but to help protect our families and friends.”

Need a vaccination or booster?

Swedish is offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for first and second doses for patients ages twelve years and older and booster shots for patients ages 18 and older at our Pine Lake Universal Response Clinic, Downtown Primary Care and Mill Creek Primary Care.
At this time, we have limited pediatric vaccine availability and encourage you to check the Swedish COVID-19 hub for more information soon.
You can also schedule appointments for adult and pediatric vaccinations as well as boosters at www.seattle.gov/vaccine to get a free COVID-19 vaccine through our partnership with the City of Seattle and Amazon.
You can find vaccination appointments at the Washington State Department of Health’s Vaccine locator or by visiting your local pharmacy or checking with your child’s local school district.

Insurance and ID are not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at any City of Seattle site. If you’re receiving a second or booster dose, proof of vaccination is recommended. Be sure to visit our COVID-19 hub for more info.

Find a doctor

Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult with a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish ExpressCare Virtual connects you face-to-face with a practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow-up as needed. If you need to find a physician, caregiver or advanced care practitioner, you can use our provider directory.