Additional COVID-19 vaccine doses can improve protection against COVID-19 for older adults, those with certain medical conditions, and other groups at higher risk.
- Booster doses
Booster doses provide additional immunity when the immune response from the first two vaccine doses has decreased over time. About boosters - Third vaccine doses
Third doses benefit those with severely compromised immune systems when given at least 4 weeks after a two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series. About third doses
Booster Vaccinations
Adults 18 and over and children 5-17 years old may be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.
Boosters are especially recommended for those who are 65 or older, or with ongoing medical problems.
First Booster
Pfizer and Moderna
You are eligible for a first booster dose if it has been at least five months since your second vaccination of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and you are at least 5 years old.
If you have a weakened immune system, and have already received a third vaccine dose, you are eligible for a booster dose three months after your last vaccination.
Johnson & Johnson
If you were vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine at least two months ago and you are 18 or older, you are eligible for a first booster dose of any authorized vaccine.
Second booster
You are eligible for a second booster dose if it has been at least four months since your first booster dose of any authorized vaccine, and meet the requirements below:
- If you are at least 50 years old, you are eligible for a second booster dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
- If you are 18 or older and received Johnson and Johnson vaccine for your first vaccination and booster, you are eligible for a second booster dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
- If you have a weakened immune system and are 12-17years old, you can receive a second booster four months after your first booster.
Getting a Booster Dose
- Check with your doctor, a pharmacy, or other vaccination provider about getting a COVID-19 booster dose. Find a vaccination provider
- First and second booster doses are also available at county health departments. Use the online scheduler below, or call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453 for assistance.
Third Vaccine Doses
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can provide added protection if you have a medical condition that affects your immune system and you are at high risk for developing more serious illness from COVID-19.
Third vaccine doses are available only for those who received Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, and whose last shot was at least 4 weeks ago.
Qualifying Conditions
You qualify for a third dose of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine if you:
- Have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Have advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Are receiving active treatment with high-dose steroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
- Have any other medical condition that your provider says will limit your immune response
Getting a Third Dose
You can schedule an additional vaccination dose at a county health department or through your doctor or regular health care provider.
- Schedule a third dose appointment at a county health department
You'll be asked questions about qualifying for additional vaccination and be able to select a county health department for an appointment.
Schedule a third dose appointment
- Consult your doctor or a health care provider. They can evaluate your health status and determine whether you need an additional vaccination dose. If you do, they will provide the vaccination.
