News & Media
MDHHS Information on CDC and ACIP Recommendations on Pfizer Booster Dose
We wanted to share a letter from Dr. Khaldun based on the recent recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC).
On September 22, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series for specific populations.
On September 23, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend a single Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in certain populations at least 6 months after a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 primary series under FDA EUA, and CDC’s Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed ACIP’s recommendation, and also recommended a booster dose for those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings. The updated interim guidance from CDC recommends a booster at least 6 months after a Pfizer primary series under FDA EUA for the following populations:
- Individuals aged 65 years and older and Long-Term Care Facility Residents should receive a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
- Individuals aged 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
- Individuals aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on individual benefit and risk.
- Individuals aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
The ACIP booster dose recommendation only applies to individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series. There is currently no booster recommendation for those who received the J&J or Moderna vaccine for their primary series.
Providers may begin administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the populations covered under the EUA immediately. Providers should confirm with individuals that they received a primary Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine series at least 6 months ago. Please utilize the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) for verification of Pfizer primary series and validation of 6 month interval.
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination, you may always reach out to us at checcimms@michigan.gov.
Thank you for all of your hard work to protect Michiganders from vaccine preventable diseases.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Immunization