Should College Students Get a Booster Shot?
On November 19, 2021, the CDC and FDA expanded booster shot eligibility for people who originally received any of the three COVID vaccines currently approved or authorized for use in the US. On November 29, 2021, the CDC recommended that anyone 18 years and older should get a booster.
What Should College Students Do?
If you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months ago, you should get a booster. If you got your second Pfizer/Moderna shot at least 6 months ago, you should get a booster.
Why do we need boosters?
Vaccine protection is shown to decrease over time, particularly against the Delta variant and possibly against the Omicron variant. Since college students live and study in group settings, the risk of COVID transmission is higher. Real world data show that getting a booster reduces the risk of getting COVID and of severe COVID and , and clinical trial data show that a booster is effective in reducing symptomatic COVID.
Which Booster Should I Get?
Your booster can be a single shot of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. You may choose to get a different vaccine type than the one that you originally received. If you have questions, talk to your doctor about which booster may be right for you.
Last update: December 3, 2021, 9:20 am ET
Science review: JAB, GSN