State Offers Update on Moderna, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Availability

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced how eligible Massachusetts residents can access Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots.

In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Moderna COVID booster is now available to individuals age 65 and older, and individuals age 18 and older at risk for severe COVID due to underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID because of occupational or institutional settings and received their second shot of Moderna vaccine at least six months prior.

The Johnson & Johnson COVID booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID single-dose vaccine at least two months ago.

CDC recommendations now allow for mixing and matching different COVID booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. The administration recommends that residents with questions about which booster is right for them should ask their healthcare provider for advice.

Massachusetts residents are able to receive COVID booster doses from more than 460 locations, including more than 450 retail pharmacies and state-sponsored COVID booster locations, with appointments available now for booking. With the approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters, more than 750,000 residents are newly eligible for booster shots under federal eligibility criteria.