Vaccine Booster Shot Q&A

Who should get a COVID booster shot?

Individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

Why is it important to get a COVID booster?

Per CDC: Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant. Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms. Emerging evidence also shows that among healthcare and other frontline workers, vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections is decreasing over time. This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of decreasing protection as time passes since getting vaccinated (e.g., waning immunity) as well as the greater infectiousness of the Delta variant.

Does the need for a booster shot mean the vaccines aren’t working?

No. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.

Is it safe to Mix and Match type or brand of vaccine? 

The nation’s top public health officials have said yes it is safe. They gave their endorsement of the “mixing and matching” of COVID vaccines for booster shots on October 21, 2021.

Researchers found that those who received any booster saw an increase in immune protection. In addition, people who received a booster different from the vaccine used during their initial series saw a similar — if not better — boost.

Switching to a different vaccine for the booster produced side-effects on par with using the same brand.

The CDC has issued guidance with more detailed information about who might benefit from choosing one booster over another, and CDC officials are still working out whether to recommend that some people stick to their original vaccine if possible.

This would allow eligible people who received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) to get a booster dose of any authorized vaccine 6 months or later after completing their primary series.

Eligible people who received the one-dose J&J vaccine would be able to get a booster dose of that vaccine or an mRNA vaccine at least 2 months after their initial dose.

• At this time, you must be:
  • People 16 years or older
• You will be required to submit a date of birth.
• You must also be either: (1) a Vermont resident; (2) employed by a Vermont-based employer.
  • If you live in another state, you can still get a vaccine in Vermont if:
    • you work in an occupation or setting in Vermont that is currently eligible.
    • you moved to Vermont within the last 6 months with the intention of becoming a resident and are in an age group, occupation or another group that is currently eligible.

    On April 30, Vermont expects to open vaccine registration to college students who are residents of another state and do not intend to stay in Vermont for the summer, as well as people who live part of the year in Vermont. This will be based on the vaccine supply we receive from the federal government.

    You can set up an account now, so you’ll be ready to make an appointment when your turn comes.

• Please note, if you are homebound, you do not need to apply through the central registration system. Home health agencies and/or EMS organizations will be contacting you directly.

• Register Online
  • To register online, click here.
  • Please note, due to the high volume of website traffic, the online form may be slow to load. If you encounter issues, please try later.  There will be enough appointments for all who are eligible.
  • If you already have an account because you were tested for COVID-19 through a Health Department site, you should use the same account information.
  • Appointments are required.
• Register by Phone
  • To make an appointment, call (855) 722-7878.
  • Please note, due to high call volume, you may be placed on hold. Please know, there will be enough appointments for all who are eligible.
  • If you need to speak with someone in a language other than English, call the number and then press 1.
• Call Center Hours
  • Monday – Friday: 8:15am to 5:30pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 3pm