Top 5 Takeaways

1. Booster Dose Uptake: Approximately half of the eligible population aged ≥5 years (106.3 million out of 214.4 million) received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
2. Second Booster Dose: Among those eligible, about one-third (34.0%) of persons aged ≥50 years received a second booster dose.
3. Variation in Coverage: Lower booster and second booster dose coverage was observed among younger age groups, males, non-Hispanic Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, multiracial persons, residents of rural counties, and recipients of the Janssen primary series.
4. Disparities and Barriers: The report highlights the need for focused interventions and improved outreach to address disparities and barriers in vaccine equity, particularly in populations with low booster and second booster dose coverage.
5. Recommendations for Public Health Practice: All fully vaccinated eligible persons aged ≥5 years are recommended to receive a booster dose, and certain populations, especially adults aged ≥50 years, are advised to receive a second booster dose when eligible.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Hannah E. Fast, hfast@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Fast HE, Murthy BP, Zell E, et al. Booster COVID-19 Vaccinations Among Persons Aged ≥5 Years and Second Booster COVID-19 Vaccinations Among Persons Aged ≥50 Years — United States, August 13, 2021–August 5, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1121–1125.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7135a4

Summary

The report provides an analysis of booster and second booster COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the U.S. from August 13, 2021, to August 5, 2022. It reveals that about half of the eligible population aged ≥5 years received a booster dose, and approximately one-third of persons aged ≥50 years received a second booster dose.

Methods

Data from 50 states and the District of Columbia were analyzed to assess vaccination coverage among eligible populations by age, sex, race and ethnicity, urban-rural classification, and the primary vaccine series product received. The definition of primary series completion and booster doses, including time intervals for administration, were standardized for this analysis.

Discussion

The report discusses the variations in booster dose coverage across different demographic groups. It notes lower coverage among younger age groups, males, and various racial and ethnic minorities. The disparities in vaccine uptake are attributed to multiple factors, including preferences for the vaccine type, access to healthcare, and regional differences in vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while booster dose coverage is significant, there are notable disparities in vaccine uptake. It underscores the need for targeted public health interventions to increase vaccine accessibility and address inequities in booster dose coverage.

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