The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

Effective immediately, all adults age 18 and older who completed their primary mRNA vaccinations of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago should receive a single COVID-19 booster dose.

Boosters are still recommended for anyone who received Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine more than two months ago.

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant underscores the importance of vaccination and boosters. According to the CDC, strong immunity, such as that provided by a booster, will likely prevent severe illness.

Individuals who received a booster should continue practice other mitigation measures, such as wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings and staying home from work and getting tested for COVID-19 if they feel sick.