• COVID-19
  • Vaccine Recommendations

What is the difference between an “additional primary dose” of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for an immunocompromised person and a “booster dose”?

CDC defines an “additional primary dose” as a subsequent dose of vaccine administered to people who are less likely to develop a protective immune response after initial vaccination because of moderate or severe immunocompromise. All previously unvaccinated people with moderate or severe immunocompromise are recommended to receive an initial 3-dose primary COVID-19 series.

CDC defines a “booster dose” as a subsequent dose of vaccine administered to enhance or restore protection which might have declined over time after primary series vaccination.

Last reviewed: August 31, 2024

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