Top 5 Takeaways

1. Less Frequent Reactions: Local and systemic reactions were less frequent after a homologous COVID-19 mRNA vaccine booster dose compared to the second primary dose.
2. Myocarditis Rare: Myocarditis was rarely reported following an mRNA vaccine booster dose.
3. High Booster Uptake: Approximately 82.6 million U.S. residents aged ≥18 years received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose during the study period.
4. Homologous Boosters Preferred: The majority of booster recipients received homologous COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, with systemic reactions being less frequent than after the second dose.
5. Monitoring Continues: CDC and FDA will continue to monitor vaccine safety and provide data to guide vaccine recommendations.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Anne M. Hause, eocevent416@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Hause AM, Baggs J, Marquez P, et al. Safety Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Among Adults — United States, September 22, 2021–February 6, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:249–254. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7107e1

Summary

This report reviews the safety of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses among adults in the United States from September 22, 2021, to February 6, 2022. The study found that adverse reactions were less frequent following a homologous mRNA booster dose compared to the second primary dose. Myocarditis was rarely reported, and the majority of booster recipients received homologous mRNA vaccinations.

Methods

The study analyzed data from v-safe, a voluntary smartphone-based safety surveillance system, and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). It included reports from 721,562 v-safe registrants aged ≥18 years who received a COVID-19 vaccine booster and 39,286 VAERS reports of adverse events following booster doses.

Discussion

The findings indicate that local and systemic reactions were less frequent after a homologous booster dose than after the second primary dose. Myocarditis was rarely reported, and the majority of adverse events were nonserious. The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring and education for vaccination providers and recipients.

Conclusion

All persons aged ≥12 years should receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Local and systemic reactions are expected but are less common than those following the second primary series dose. Continued monitoring by CDC and FDA will ensure the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.

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