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Booster interval shortened to five months after primary vaccination series
Third vaccine dose for certain immunocompromised children authorized for 5- to 11-year olds
January 7, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on Thursday completed its review of the federal process and has recommended expanding Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose eligibility to anyone 12 years of age and older who completed their primary vaccination series at least five months ago. The Workgroup also confirmed the federal authorization of a third vaccine dose for certain immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11. The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the Governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington today.
The Workgroup recommended the following actions regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:
- Expand the use of a single Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose to include use in individuals 12 through 15 years of age;
- Shorten the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose to at least five months;
- Allow for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.
On Monday, January 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the expanded use of the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot and the CDC affirmed those decisions on Wednesday. The Workgroup reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions Wednesday evening and Thursday.
Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October 2020. The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.
Statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom:
“It’s simple, vaccines save lives. Everyone 12 and older should keep their immunity strong and protect themselves and their families against COVID-19, including the highly transmissible Omicron variant, by getting a booster dose. The state has ample vaccine supply, so don’t wait – get your booster today.”
Statement from Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak:
“Vaccines and boosters are a key line of defense in the fight against COVID-19, particularly with the Omicron surge we are experiencing. I know this is welcome news to families across Nevada who are eager to get their children boosted. The State has increased access to vaccines and I encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity now. If you have not yet gotten your first or second dose, please do so, and if you are eligible, get boosted.”
Statement from Oregon Governor Kate Brown:
“Vaccines and boosters are critical tools in our fight against COVID-19, Omicron, and future variants. With today’s review by leading doctors, pediatricians, and health experts, Oregon youth, parents, and families can be confident in the safety and effectiveness of Pfizer-BioNTech booster doses. It’s normal to have questions about vaccines––please, reach out to your family health care provider to get your questions answered, and find a vaccine or booster appointment near you today.”
Statement from Washington Governor Jay Inslee:
“It is great news that more Washingtonians can receive the booster to help protect them against Omicron and other variants. I urge all young people and their families to get the booster shot and protect themselves and their communities.
Source: Office of the Governor
Joint Statement on Western States Recommendation of Expanded Pfizer – BioNTech Booster Eligibility for 12- to 15-Year Olds
January 7, 2022 - SACRAMENTO - On Thursday, California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement on the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup's recommendation to expand eligibility for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose to 12- to 15-year-olds at least five months after completing their primary vaccination series."Getting a booster shot is the best way to keep your immunity strong and protect you and your loved ones from being hospitalized or dying because of COVID-19, including from the fast-spreading Omicron variant. With today's recommendation expanding booster eligibility to those 12 and older, as well as decreasing the time between primary series and booster dose to five months for Pfizer vaccine recipients, Californians should go out and get themselves and their children boosted. The state has ample vaccine supply, so don't wait – get your booster today."
While vaccines and boosters remain the most important step Californians can take to protect themselves against COVID-19, now is not the time to let our guard down. All Californians, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to practice the safety basics – wear a mask with good fit and filtration indoors, get tested if you're exposed to the virus or have symptoms, improve ventilation indoors, and stay home when sick.
MyTurn.ca.gov is currently being updated to reflect the expanded eligibility. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their youth's health care provider to schedule their booster appointment. For the latest information on the Omicron variant, go to CDPH.ca.gov and to find a COVID-19 testing site, call (833) 422-4255 or visit your local county public health website.
Source: CDPH
