COVID vaccines: third dose vs booster shot

SALISBURY, Md. – The Wicomico County Health Department is breaking down the difference between third doses and booster COVID-19 shots.

The health department will begin administering boosters on Monday, October 4th. Booser doses are for Pfizer only and are an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has started to decrease over time. It is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.

Third doses are recommended for immunocompromised people who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses. It can be given as soon as 28 days after a second dose. The Wicomico health department is continuing to offer third doses of Moderna and Pfizer.