2/5/2022 – 10:39 p.m.
As COVID cases caused by the omicron variant finally start to wane in the U.S., is it time to look ahead to the next variant? And will we need another booster shot to protect us from it?
It’s too soon to determine whether a fourth vaccine dose (or a third dose for the Johnson & Johnson recipients) will be necessary for everyone, the experts we asked said. It’s an answer they acknowledge is frustrating for those concerned about the ever-evolving coronavirus. But there are some things we know about who needs that extra protection now, and what we might expect next.
Who needs a fourth dose now?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend some moderately and severely immunocompromised people 12 and older should get three primary shots of an mRNA vaccine (either Pfizer or Moderna) plus a fourth shot as their booster.
The timing and type of vaccine depend on your age group and when you last received a dose. Check the CDC’s guidelines or talk to your doctor to see if a fourth shot is recommended for you.
Right now, this is the only group recommended to get a fourth shot by the CDC, but that’s caused some confusion for people – and providers.
“We get a lot of complaints from people now that are eligible for their fourth dose that they’re getting pushback from CVS and Walgreen’s and they’re all being told no cause for a fourth dose,” said Dr. Jim Conway, who heads the University of Wisconsin’s immunization program.
