CDC Recommends Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Booster Shot for Certain Populations

Shots to be given at least six months after completion of Pfizer primary series  

SANTA FE- On Friday morning, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced recommendations for certain populations to receive a booster shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series. The New Mexico Medical Advisory Team has reviewed and endorsed these recommendations. 

The CDC recommends the following individuals should receive their booster shot: 

• Individuals 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
• Individuals aged 50 to 64 with certain underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series  

In addition, the CDC identified groups that may receive a booster shot as well: 

• Individuals 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks 
• 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 shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks

Long-Term Care Facilities 

The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department will coordinate the distribution of Pfizer boosters to the small number of residents and staff of long-term care facilities who received the Pfizer primary series. 

Vaccine Distribution Plans 

As with previous rounds of vaccine distribution, the State is finalizing appropriate distribution plans to reflect the new federal guidance. By the end of October, more than 70% of New Mexicans who have received Pfizer primary series will be eligible for boosters.  

Early next week, DOH will release additional guidance about how New Mexicans can schedule their booster appointments. 

Note: at this time, only Pfizer boosters are available, and neither CDC nor the New Mexico Department of Health recommends “mixing” one type of primary vaccine with a different type of booster vaccine. 

The Department of Health also encourages New Mexicans to confirm that their vaccine records are up-to-date. New Mexicans who have received their primary Pfizer series through vaccineNM.org can log in to confirm or update their records. New Mexicans who need assistance updating their vaccineNM.org records can call the DOH hotline at 1-855-600-3453. 

New Mexicans who received their primary series through another provider can visit vaxviewNM.org to confirm that they have two entries for COVID-19 MRNA “PFR” (Pfizer) shots. New Mexicans who need assistance updating their vaxviewNM.org record can call the NMSIIS Help Desk at 1-833-882-6454.

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Matt Bieber at 505-470-2290 (Office) with your questions.