January 7, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer booster for children ages 12 to 15 years old and a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 who are immunocompromised. COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed and getting a booster helps strengthen and extend protections against COVID-19.
In addition, the wait time for boosters for anyone who received Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations has been reduced from six months to five months. People who received two doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should wait six months before receiving their booster. CLICK HERE for more information.
NCDHHS encourages you to speak with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have questions about COVID-19 boosters. As with all COVID-19 vaccines, doses are free for everyone, even if they don’t have health insurance and regardless of their immigration status.
The CDC also updated its guidance for isolation and quarantine. People with COVID-19 should isolate for at least 5 full days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days. People exposed to COVID-19 should quarantine for 5 days and wear a mask for an additional 5 days. However, people who are exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine if they are vaccinated – including a booster for adults – against COVID-19. Because North Carolina remains in the CDC’s red zone with high community transmission, all North Carolinians should wear a mask.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, visit MySpot.nc.gov or call the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center for free at 888-675-4567. Not all vaccines may be available at every vaccine location.
SOURCES: CDC and NCDHHS
