Navigating COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from the virus. However, navigating the different vaccine types and age-specific guidelines can be overwhelming. This guide provides a clear and simple overview of the Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, and J&J/Janssen vaccines, including their recommended doses for different age groups.
Image
6 Months to 4 Years
Pfizer Vaccine:
- 1st dose Pfizer primary series
- 2nd dose Pfizer series, 3–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer updated boosted, at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose
Moderna Vaccine: (6 months to 5 years)
- 1st dose Moderna primary series
- 2nd dose Moderna series, 4–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd Moderna dose; children aged 6 months–4 years can only get a Moderna booster, and children aged 5 years can get a Pfizer or Moderna updated booster.
5–11 Years
Pfizer Vaccine:
- 1st dose Pfizer primary series
- 2nd dose Pfizer series, 3–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd dose or last booster
Moderna Vaccine (6-17 Years)
- 1st dose Moderna primary series
- 2nd dose Moderna series, 4–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose.
12–17 Years
Pfizer Vaccine:
- 1st dose Pfizer primary series
- 2nd dose Pfizer series, 3–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd dose or last booster
Novavax Vaccine:
For 12-17 years old: Novavax is not authorized as a booster dose at this time.
18 Years and Older
Pfizer Vaccine:
- 1st dose Pfizer primary series
- 2nd dose Pfizer series, 3–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose or last booster
Moderna Vaccine:
- 1st dose Moderna primary series
- 2nd dose Moderna series, 4–8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd dose Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose or last booster
J&J/Janssen Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: J&J/Janssen primary series
- 2nd Dose: Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Novavax Vaccine:
- 1st Dose: Novavax primary series
- 2nd Dose: Novavax series, 3-8 weeks after 1st dose
- 3rd Dose: Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, at least 2 months after 2nd primary series dose
Resources
County Specific Resources
For country-specific resources, such as where to receive a vaccine, check the links below: