COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Comparison Table

Pfizer-BioNTech

Moderna

Janssen (J&J)

• Licensed for individuals 16 and older
• EUA for individuals aged 5* - 15
• 2 doses spaced 21 days apart
• *Children aged 5-11 should receive a different formulation of the vaccine that is a different dose (10ug) and different dilution

• Licensed for individuals 18 and older
• 2 doses spaced 28 days apart

• EUA for individuals 18 and older
• Single dose

Another injection using same dose as primary series given
at least 5 months after second dose.  

• Eligible populations (under EUA):
  • Initial booster: Individuals 12 and older who have completed the primary series
  • 2nd booster: People 50 years and older, and people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received an initial COVID-19 booster dose 

Another injection with half the dose used in primary series given at least 5 months after second dose.  

• Eligible populations (under EUA):
  • Initial booster: Adults over 18 who have completed the primary series
  • 2nd booster: People 50 years and older, and people ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received an initial COVID-19 booster dose 

Another injection using same dose as primary series given at least 2 months later. 

• Eligible populations (under EUA):
  • All adults 18 years and older who received first dose

Homologous vs. Heterologous boosting 

• The FDA has authorized use of a single booster dose (see above) of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine as a heterologous (mix and match) booster dose following completion of primary series with a different authorized COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Use of the mRNA vaccines is preferred in most situations per the CDC based on updated safety and efficacy data. However, there may be instances when boosting with the Janssen vaccine should be considered: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/janssen.html 
  
• Adverse events and reactogenicity were similar, if not lower, following a booster dose than after the second dose of the primary series. No safety concerns have been observed. 
  
• *The majority of people are anticipated to receive a booster dose with the same vaccine, however, there may be certain instances where supply is limited or cases where some individuals would benefit from a heterologous booster after discussing with their family physician.