Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)have authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster for individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine. These residents are eligible to receive their booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, including against the widely circulating Delta variant. The CDC recommends that protection from COVID-19 is improved with the addition of a booster shot, especially for individuals at higher risk. The Administration has worked with health care providers, retail pharmacies and community partners to ensure the availability of hundreds of locations for eligible residents to receive the authorized Pfizer COVID-19 booster.

Similar to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Massachusetts residents will have a range of options to receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses, including more than 460 retail pharmacies. The Administration will continue to make vaccines widely available. The first priority is to increase administration of first and second doses in residents not yet vaccinated. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Second, fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as authorized by the CDC. At this time, only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized as a booster.

In order to locate a convenient location for getting a Pfizer COVID-19 Booster:

1. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of hundreds of locations to receive a booster.
   1. Select a location and schedule an appointment online

1. Individuals who are unable to use vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, please contact the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-2PM) by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. You do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster. Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster

The quickest and easiest way to schedule a COVID-19 booster appointment or check availability in your area is to use the online system at vaxfinder.mass.gov

To learn when you are eligible for a booster shot, review your Vaccination Record Card for the date of your second shot of COVID vaccine. If you do not have your vaccination record, contact your primary care provider or the retail pharmacy where you were vaccinated. If that is not an option, visit mass.gov/myvaxrecord to learn how to request a copy of your immunization record. **Please note this request could take up to 2 weeks.