Which Covid-19 Booster Shot Is Best?
How to choose and whether to mix and match
Update December 16: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today recommended Moderna and Pfizer over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for most adults, due to the risk of blood clots in the J&J vaccine. The J&J vaccine will still be available for people “unable or unwilling” to get either of the other shots, the agency stated. The article below remains as originally published.
When a loved one asked me today which Covid-19 vaccine booster shot is best, my reply echoed what many scientists will say: We don’t yet know for sure which brand of booster might best protect against omicron and other variants, but each offers a crucial boost in protection — even if you mix and match — amid waning effectiveness of your initial vaccination after a few months, so consider getting the one that’s available.
While that may sound vague, it reflects the available evidence and advice from top health agencies and other experts.
Meanwhile, time is of the essence for booster shots, as the fast-spreading omicron variant of Covid-19 has ignited fresh spikes in new cases across the country and around the world, a scenario expected to get worse as people travel extensively and gather indoors for the holidays.
