Here’s the latest on who should get another COVID-19 booster shot

The Food and Drug Administration this week has authorized a second booster shot of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people who are over 50 years old and immunocompromised.

That means people who fit the bill can start getting a fourth vaccine shot soon.

“Emerging evidence suggests a second booster dose can improve your protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Robert Citronberg, executive director of Infectious Disease at Advocate Aurora Health.  “The data also doesn’t raise any new safety concerns.”

Here’s who eligible for a fourth Pfizer or Moderna shot:

• People 50 years and older at least four months after the first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Certain immunocompromised people 12 years and older at least four months after the first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. These include people who’ve had a solid organ transplant or similarly immunocompromised individuals.
• The Moderna vaccine may be administered to similarly immunocompromised individuals 18 years and older at least four months after the first booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have questions about whether you’re eligible, talk to your doctor.

The authorized vaccines have provided strong protection against serious illness and death through the several COVID-19 variant waves. Even though someone who has been vaccinated and boosted can still get COVID-19, evidence suggests their cases are more likely to be mild if they’re as up to date as possible with their shots.

“The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the safest, most effective tool we have in fighting the effects of the pandemic,” Dr. Citronberg says. “The latest wave of cases has thankfully waned, but getting people vaccinated and boosted is one of the best things we can do to avoid another wave.”

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, go here.