On, January 5, 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that COVID-19 booster shots are now available for Mainers age 12 and older who have already received a COVID-19 vaccine. See the announcement by the Food and Drug Administration for more detail. 

A booster dose or shot is another dose of a COVID-19 vaccine that is given after the initial two shot vaccine series for Pfizer or Moderna, or after the initial single vaccine for Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).  The booster should be given at least five months after getting the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine; at least five months after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine; or at least two months after getting the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.  

Individuals who are 12 through 17 years old are only eligible for the Pfizer booster shot. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) booster shots are only approved for individuals 18 years old and older. 

See the questions and answers below for more information. 

Why should I get a booster shot? 

The protection against COVID-19 that you get through a vaccine decreases over time. This means that, over time, you have less immunity to the virus than when you were first vaccinated. To help you stay protected against COVID-19, the Maine CDC recommends that everyone age 12 and older get a booster shot.^[1] 

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot? 

All individuals 12 through 17 years old are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot if they completed the two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least five months ago. The Pfizer vaccine booster is the only vaccine that has been authorized for individuals under 18 years old.  

All individuals 18 years old and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot if:

• They completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series at least five months ago, OR
• They received the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine at least two months ago.^[2]

Can I get a different booster type than the vaccine I originally received? 

Individuals who are 12 to 17 years old are only eligible for the Pfizer booster shot. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) booster shots have not been authorized for individuals under 18 years old. 

Individuals ages 18 and up can mix and match vaccine types for the booster. You may choose which booster shot you get. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. 

Do I have to pay anything for my COVID-19 booster shot? 

No, you will not have to pay for your COVID-19 booster shot. Either MaineCare or the federal government will pay for the booster shot at no cost to you. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 booster shot? 

To find a location to get a booster shot:

• Look for a vaccination site at COVID-19 Vaccination in Maine
• Call the Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111. They are available Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For interpreter services, call the number and say your language. People who are deaf and hard of hearing may dial 711 and ask to be connected to the number above. 

Can I get a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot at the same time? 

Yes, it is safe to get a booster shot and your flu shot at the same time. For your own comfort, you may want to get the two shots in different arms, in case you feel some soreness where you get the shots. 

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, boosters, and more, please review these FAQs.

^[1] Maine COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/public-faq#boosters

^[2] COVID-19 Vaccination in Maine https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines