WASHINGTON -  The Centers for Disease Control is recommending that people who have received the Pfizer vaccine wait only 5 months, instead of six months to get a booster shot.

CDC’s update means that people can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. 

The booster interval recommendation for people who received the J&J vaccine (2 months) or the Moderna vaccine (6 months), has not changed. 

“Following the FDA’s authorizations, today’s recommendations ensure people are able to get a boost of protection in the face of Omicron and increasing cases across the country and ensure that the most vulnerable children can get an additional dose to optimize protection against COVID-19,” said CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Additionally, the CDC is recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5 to 11-year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-11.