New COVID-19 Booster Recommendations In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — New guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention means that Rhode Islanders who got a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can now get their booster shot five months after completing the primary series, one month earlier than the previous recommendation.

The guidance for the two-dose Moderna (six months) and shingle-dose Johnson & Johnson (two months) vaccines has not changed, the Rhode Island Department of Health said.

"Throughout this pandemic, we have updated our recommendations using the latest science to ensure that Rhode Islanders are getting the best protection," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the department. "This is particularly important now, with the more contagious Omicron variant spreading in Rhode Island. If you or someone in your family is eligible for a third dose, make an appointment or head to a walk-up vaccination clinic today."

The department also encouraged booster doses for children aged 5 to 11 who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, 28 days after receiving their second dose. Pfizer vaccines are the only ones currently approved for use in younger children.

Moderate to severely immunocompromised includes the following people:

• 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 two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

"Our goal is to ensure that all Rhode Islanders receive a booster as soon as they are eligible to provide the added protection we need to keep ourselves and those around us safe," Gov. Dan McKee said. "It’s time for a boost, Rhode Island — if you haven’t already, I encourage you to make an appointment to get vaccinated or boosted today."