Second COVID booster doses are now available in Mass. for people age 50+

BOSTON — State health officials say all Massachusetts residents who are 50 and older, and people with certain medical conditions may now access a second COVID-19 booster.

The CDC made the recommendation for such boosters on Tuesday.

Those eligible include:

• Individuals 50 years of age and older at least 4 months after getting a first booster
• Individuals 18 and older with certain medical conditions may get a second Moderna  booster at least 4 months after first booster
• Individuals 12 and older with certain medical conditions may get a second Pfizer booster at least 4 months after the first booster.

The state DPH also announced on Wednesday that people 18 and older, who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago, may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

“Vaccines including boosters are the most effective and widely available tool we have to prevent COVID infection, severe disease, and death,’’ said Dr. Larry Madoff, Medical Director of DPH’s Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. “It is important that everyone stay up to date on their vaccines. If residents have questions about whether they are eligible to get an additional booster dose, DPH encourages you to talk with your doctor.”

DPH says people can access booster doses at more than 1,000 locations with appointments readily available.

“The Commonwealth has capacity to administer over 150,000 boosters weekly across the state,” according to DPH.

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