Update December 20, 2022 based on guidance from the FDA.

As COVID-19 remains in our communities, it is important to maintain high levels of disease protection, particularly among at-risk populations. Based on guidance from the FDA, CDC, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, the Nevada State Immunization Program now recommends a bivalent booster dose for everyone aged 5 and older. Data indicates that protection levels from vaccines wane over time and boosters significantly improve it, helping to protect against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death.

Who should get a COVID-19 booster?

• People 5+ who received 2 doses of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at least 2 months ago
• People 12+ who received 2 doses of Novavax vaccine at least 2 months ago
• People 18+ who received 2 doses of Moderna-Spikevax vaccine at least 2 months ag

Who should get 2nd COVID-19 booster dose?

• People aged 50+ who got first booster at least 4 months ago
• People 12+ with immunocompromised conditions (this will be their 5th dose of an mRNA vaccine) who got first booster at least 4 months ago
• People whose initial vaccine and 1st booster were Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and they were boosted at least 4 months ago

For immunocompromised individuals:

• People 5+ who received 3 doses of Pfizer Biontech-Comirarty vaccine at least 2 months ago
• People 5+ who received 3 doses of Moderna-Spikevax vaccine at least 2 months ago
• People 12+ who received 2 doses of Novavax vaccine at least 2 months ago
• People 18+ who received 2 doses of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Which booster should you get?

The bivalent covid vaccine booster is available to individuals 12 years or older at least two months after their primary or booster vaccination.

• Individuals 18 years of age or older can receive a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent.
• Individuals 12 years of age or older can receive a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent.

For more information on bivalent vaccines click here.

If your primary vaccine series was:

Pfizer-BioNTech

• People 5-11 should get the Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster
• People 12+ can get either the Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster or Moderna Bivalent Booster

Moderna-Spikevax

• People 5 years of age should get the Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster
• People 6+ can get either the Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster or Moderna Bivalent Booster

Novavax

• People 12+ can get either the Pfizer BioNTech Bivalent Booster or Moderna Bivalent Booster
• People 18+ can get a monovalent Novavax booster in limited situations

For more information on bivalent vaccines click here.

What is a vaccine booster?

For some viruses, the protection we get from a vaccine starts to wear off over time. An additional dose of the vaccine may be needed to boost your immune response and make sure you’re protected. Boosters are common for many vaccines, like Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).For those moderately or severely immunocompromised: 3 recommended doses of the mRNA vaccine are considered part of the primary series to boost immunity to levels equivalent to a 2-dose series in the non-immunocompromised. An additional booster dose (4th dose) is recommended to maintain that enhanced immunity.

Can I get my COVID-19 booster and flu shot at the same time?

YES, it’s safe to do so and encouraged. If you’re eligible for your COVID-19 booster, you can get your flu shot on the same day. For individuals not eligible for a COVID-19 booster, be sure they are protected from the flu.

Where can you get a booster?

You can get your booster anywhere COVID-19 vaccines are being offered.Bring your vaccine card with you to the vaccine clinic/site. If you do not have your vaccine card, you can request one from your previous vaccinator or request your vaccination record through izrecord.nv.gov to bring with you.

How will I react to my booster?

So far, reactions reported after a booster were like that of the two-dose series: fatigue and pain at injection site were most common and most symptoms were mild to moderate. 

You can get your booster anywhere COVID-19 vaccines are being offered.Bring your vaccine card with you to the vaccine clinic/site. If you do not have your vaccine card, you can request one from your previous vaccinator or request your vaccination record through izrecord.nv.gov to bring with you.