COVID-19

Primary COVID-19 Vaccination Series

A primary series is the initial dose(s) of a COVID-19 vaccine.

It is important for people to receive all recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and in general, all doses should be the same vaccine product. In situations where the product used for the person's first dose is not available, providers may administer a different product to avoid missed opportunities and complete the primary series. Refer to CDC: Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccine products for additional details.

COVID-19 vaccine dosage is based on age on the day of vaccination, not on size or weight. Children get a smaller dose of COVID-19 vaccine than teens and adults.

Note: Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are recommended over the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine except in limited situations.

Pfizer Vaccine

Adults and children ages 12+:

• Primary series is two vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose

Children ages 5 - 11:

• Primary series is two vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose

Children ages 6 months - 4 years:

• Primary series is three vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose
  • 3rd dose at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose
    • 3rd dose is the updated (bivalent) vaccine
    • The 3rd dose must only be the Pfizer bivalent

Moderna Vaccine

Adults and children ages 5+:

• Primary series is two vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose

Children ages 6 months - 4 years:

• Primary series is three vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose
  • 3rd dose at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose
    • 3rd dose is the updated (bivalent) vaccine
    • The 3rd dose must only be the Moderna bivalent

Novavax Vaccine

Adults and chilren ages 12+:

• Primary series is two vaccine doses
  • 2nd dose 3-8 weeks after 1st dose

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Vaccine

Adults 18+:

• Primary series is a single vaccine dose