PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
December 9, 2021

Judith M. Persichilli
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Statement from New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Persichilli on Expansion of Pfizer Booster to Include Ages 16-17

TRENTON –  The expansion of Pfizer booster doses to include 16- and 17-year-olds, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today, offers needed protections against COVID-19 and its variants, particularly as we continue a busy holiday and traveling season.

With vaccine immunity waning over time and the continued threat of the Delta, and now Omicron, variants, the Department of Health encourages everyone to get their booster dose. The Pfizer booster doses are available and recommended for individuals 16 years and older six months after completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. 

On Wednesday, December 15, the state will mark the one year anniversary of administering the first COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey by designating it as Boost NJ Day to encourage residents ages 16 and older to receive booster doses. The Department of Health is working with more than 2,000 vaccination sites across the state to offer expanded walk-in availability and extended hours to increase vaccine accessibility.

Individuals who have yet to be vaccinated are encouraged to get their first dose today to protect themselves, their families, and their community.

Visit covid19.nj.gov/finder to locate a vaccination site.

Last Reviewed: 12/9/2021