Technologies
Moderna COVID booster FAQ: Side effects, vaccine effectiveness, what to know about third dose
Get the latest on Moderna’s COVID-19 booster shot and its fight against the omicron variant.

One in three people in the US are now boosted with a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or a second of Johnson & Johnson’s. All three boosters shots are effective in protecting against hospitalization and death, even from the highly contagious omicron variant. Research released by the UK on New Year’s Eve continues to underscore the importance of boosters. The UK Health Security Agency notes that 20 weeks after the second dose of mRNA vaccines, protection against the omicron variant decreases to only 10%, with a booster, or third dose, bringing protection back up to 90%.
The UK report also strengthened the case for the Moderna booster, noting that protection against omicron was higher in those who received a Moderna booster after two Pfizer shots compared with those who received a third Pfizer shot. The Moderna booster was also slightly more effective than Pfizer for people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 16 years and older get a booster six months after their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer. The CDC also recommends a booster for adolescents 12 and up who have a weakened immune system, are undergoing cancer treatment or have certain other health conditions.
Countries such as Germany, Israel and the UK are weighing a possible fourth booster, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, said a fourth jab was «conceivable» in the US, too.
«It is conceivable that in the future we might need an additional shot, but right now, we are hoping that we will get a greater degree of durability of protection from that booster shot,» Fauci said at a White House briefing on Dec. 29. «So we’re going to take one step at a time, get the data from the third boost and then make decisions based on scientific data.»
So far, the vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing serious reactions and death from COVID-19. People who are unvaccinated are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized if infected. With a federal vaccine mandate slated to start next month, the Biden administration expects even more Americans to get the jab.
Here’s what you need to know about the Moderna booster, including doses, side effects and how to get a free ride to your vaccination appointment. For even more details, here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines for kids, how you can soon get a free COVID-19 test kit and what to know about breakthrough infections.
How effective is the Moderna booster against the omicron variant?
On Dec. 20, Moderna President Stephen Hoge said early results demonstrated the company’s COVID-19vaccine booster increased «omicron-neutralizing antibodies» approximately 37-fold. Forcomparison, earlier this month Pfizer said its booster raises antibody levels 25-fold, offering «a sufficientlevel of protection» against omicron.
Early studies of omicron variant infections in the US support the idea that current vaccines offer weaker protection against the newest strain, especially for individuals who did not get a booster yet.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Dec. 10 that of the 43 earliest cases attributed to the omicron variant, 34 people had been fully vaccinated, though only 14 of those patients had also received a booster. And five of the people who were boosted were infected less than 14 days after the third shot — thus, before full protection kicks in.
What are the possible side effects with the Moderna booster?
Modernasays possible side effects for its booster shot are similar to thosefrom the two primary doses and include pain or swelling at theinjection site, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, headache, fever, chillsand nausea.
The drugmaker said there is «a remote chance» that its COVID‑19 vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction.
The good news is, according to the CDC, those whogot the Moderna booster dose reported far fewer reactions than they didafter the second dose of the vaccine.
Will we need an annual COVID booster shot?
With vaccinesappearing to offer waning protectionand the continuing evolution ofvariants, Hoge said we will most likely needseasonal COVID boosters,much like we do with the flu, at least toprotect those at high risk ofinfection.
The CDC updated its guidanceto indicate that, starting in 2022, some immunocompromised people will be able to get afourth COVID-19 booster shot.
Is Moderna working on additional COVID vaccine boosters?
Hoge said the company’s current 50-microgram COVID booster gives «quite respectable» protection. The company is continuing to study an omicron-specific vaccine and a multivalent one that could protect against other variants, including the alpha and delta strains, in case either is needed.
The company also said a 100-microgram version of its current vaccine, Spikevax, appears to raise antibody protection 83-fold. Hoge said Moderna could have new versions of its vaccine ready early in 2022, but is not yet planning to ask the CDC and US Food and Drug Administration to amend its booster authorization for the 100-microgram trial version of Spikevax.
When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?
If you got a Moderna or Pfizer jab, you’re eligible for a booster six months after the date of the second shot listed on yourvaccination card. If you got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’ll want a booster two months later (more below).
The CDC and other health authorities are now urging people to get boosters as soon as they’re eligible, to keep the immune response againstomicron, delta and other coronavirus variants of concern as strong as possible.
On Dec. 2, Biden outlined a plan forMedicare to contact the 64 million people it serves and for AARP toreach out to its 38 million members about getting a booster shot. And nationwide pharmacy chains like Walgreens,CVS and Rite Aid are contacting customers who got a vaccine attheir stores when it’s time to schedule a booster.
Some countries, including Germany and South Korea, have reduced the waiting time for booster shots to 3 months. In August, President Biden discussed the possibility of reducing the waiting period for booster shots, but no explicit action has been taken by US officials yet.
Should people who are pregnant get a booster shot?
The COVID-19 booster recommendations apply to all people 18 years and older, including those who are pregnant. The CDC urges pregnant people to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and a booster is half a full vaccine dose.
«People who are pregnant or recently pregnant are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with people who are not pregnant,» the CDC website says.
While there is no evidence that getting vaccinated decreases fertility in women or men, a recent study linked COVID-19 infection in pregnant women to a higher risk of stillbirth.
Is the Moderna booster shot a third dose of the vaccine?
The Moderna booster is a half dose of the same vaccine used in its first two full shots. The goal is to top up the formula and reinforce the body’s immune response against the virus and its variants. While the first two shots of the Moderna vaccine were each 100 micrograms, the booster is a 50-microgram dose.
Moderna said a 100-microgram version of its current vaccine, Spikevax, appears to raise antibody protection 83-fold but it is not yet planning to ask the CDC or FDA to approve the more potent booster.
Moderna is also working on a combination shot that contains this year’s flu vaccine and its COVID-19 booster vaccine, but that’s not available right now.
How do I know which pharmacies have Moderna booster shots available?
Boosters are available at roughly 80,000 locations across the US, including over 40,000 pharmacies. Some 90% of Americans have a vaccine site within five miles of where they live.
A free service backed by the CDC sends you information on vaccine sites when you text your ZIP code to this number: 438829. The response will show you COVID-19 vaccine locations in your area, along with the brands they carry for certain age groups, for instance, Moderna 18+. This can save you from having to call around, or show up to an appointment to find that your booster of choice isn’t available. The text message also offers a shortcut to make your appointment right from your phone screen.
In addition, you can check Vaccines.gov to see which vaccines are available where, or call 800-232-0233 for additional vaccine information.
How can I get a free ride to get my booster shot?
Lyft and Uber are offering free rides for some people who need them. An easy way to access those links for more information is through the text feature above. You can also go to Lyft.com/vax or call Uber at 855-921-0033.
Who can get a Moderna booster shot right now?
On Nov. 19, all US adults 18 and older became eligible to receive COVID-19 booster shots if it’s been at least six months since they’ve received a second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster dose after two months.
Adults are encouraged to get whatever booster dose is available, even if that means mixing and matching vaccine boosters (more below). The CDC’s recommendation of mRNA vaccines — Moderna or Pfizer — also applies to booster shots.
Is it safe to mix and match vaccine and booster brands?
Yes. The FDA has authorized mixing COVID-19 boosters, which in the US means Moderna and Pfizer. Any adult eligible for a booster can get any of the available brands of coronavirus vaccines. If you initially received Johnson & Johnson and it’s been two months or longer since you received the initial dose, you’ll be able to get the Moderna or Pfizer booster. If you received Moderna or Pfizer for your first two shots, you could pick any authorized vaccine available to you, if you qualify and it’s been six months or longer since your second shot.
In its study, the CDC found 95% of those who got Moderna for the first round of vaccine shots chose Moderna for the booster dose.
Is the Moderna COVID-19 booster shot still free?
All booster shots will be free, regardless of immigration or health insurance status. However, depending on where you get your booster shot — for example, at a local pharmacy — you may be asked to provide your insurance card information, including your name, date of birth and membership number. But you will not be charged for your COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.
What does the Moderna booster shot do?
As the vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time, a COVID-19 booster shot — whether from Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson — recharges your body’s immune response and guards against a breakthrough infection.
Recent studies of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines show that their effectiveness can begin to wane after six months. Moderna said early data suggests that those who received the Moderna vaccine in 2020 are showing a higher rate of breakthrough COVID-19 infections than those vaccinated this year, suggesting the need for a booster to maintain high levels of protection.
For more on coronavirus treatments and vaccines, here’s what we know about monoclonal antibody treatments, the new federal vaccine mandates and why some people may not want the shot.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Technologies
Tariffs Explained: Latest on Trump’s Shifting Import Tax Plan, and What It Means
Technologies
Apple, I’m (Sky) Blue About Your iPhone 17 Air Color
Commentary: The rumored new hue of the iPhone 17 Air is more sky blah than sky blue.

I can’t help but feel blue about the latest rumor that Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 Air will take flight in a subtle, light-hued color called sky blue.
Sky blue isn’t a new color for Apple. It’s the featured shade of the current M4 MacBook Air, a shimmer of cerulean so subtle as to almost be missed. It’s silver left too close to an aquarium; silver that secretly likes to think it’s blue but doesn’t want everyone else to notice.
Do Apple employees get to go outside and see a real blue sky? It’s actually vivid, you can check for yourself. Perhaps the muted sky blue color reflects a Bay Area late winter/early spring frequent layer of clouds like we typically see here in Seattle.
«Who cares?» you might find yourself saying. «Everyone gets a case anyway.» I hear you and everyone else who’s told me that. But design-focused Apple is as obsessive about colors as they are about making their devices thinner. And I wonder if their heads are in the clouds about which hues adorn their pro products.
Making the case for a caseless color iPhone
I’m more invested in this conversation than most — I’m one of those freaks who doesn’t wrap my phone in a case. I find cases bulky and superfluous, and I like to be able to see Apple’s design work. Also, true story, I’ve broken my iPhone screen only twice: First when it was in a «bumper» that Apple sent free in response to the iPhone 4 you’re-holding-it-wrong Antennagate fiasco, and second when trying to take long exposure starry night photos using what I didn’t realize was a broken tripod mount. My one-week-old iPhone 13 Pro slipped sideways and landed screen-first on a pointy rock. A case wouldn’t have saved it.
My current model is an iPhone 16 Pro in black titanium — which I know seems like avoiding color entirely — but previously I’ve gone for colors like blue titanium and deep purple. I wanted to like deep purple the most but it came across as, in the words of Patrick Holland in his iPhone 14 Pro review, «a drab shade of gray or like Grimace purple,» depending on the light.
Pros can be bold, too
Maybe the issue is too many soft blues. Since the iPhone Pro age began with the iPhone 11 Pro, we’ve seen variations like blue titanium (iPhone 15 Pro), sierra blue (iPhone 13 Pro) and pacific blue (iPhone 12 Pro).
Pacific blue is the boldest of the bunch, if by bold you mean dark enough to discern from silver, but it’s also close enough to that year’s graphite color that seeing blue depends on the surrounding lighting. By comparison, the blue (just «blue») color of the iPhone 12 was unmistakably bright blue.
In fact, the non-Pro lines have embraced vibrant colors. It’s as if Apple is equating «pro» with «sophisticated,» as in «A real pro would never brandish something this garish.» I see this in the camera world all the time: If it’s not all-black, it’s not a «serious» camera.
And yet I know lots of pros who are not sophisticated — proudly so. People choose colors to express themselves, so forcing that idea of professionalism through color feels needlessly restrictive. A bright pink iPhone 16 might make you smile every time you pick it up but then frown because it doesn’t have a telephoto camera.
Color is also important because it can sway a purchase decision. «I would buy a sky blue iPhone yesterday,» my colleague Gael Cooper texted after the first rumor popped online. When each new generation of iPhones arrive, less technically different than the one before, a color you fall in love with can push you into trading in your perfectly-capable model for a new one.
And lest you think Apple should just stick with black and white for its professional phones: Do you mean black, jet black, space black, midnight black, black titanium, graphite or space gray? At least the lighter end of the spectrum has stuck to just white, white titanium and silver over the years.
Apple never got ahead by being beige
I’m sure Apple has reams of studies and customer feedback that support which colors make it to production each year. Like I said, Apple’s designers are obsessive (in a good way). And I must remind myself that a sky blue iPhone 17 Air is a rumored color on a rumored product so all the usual caveats apply.
But we’re talking about Apple here. The scrappy startup that spent more than any other company on business cards at the time because each one included the old six-color Apple logo. The company that not only shaped the first iMac like a tipped-over gumdrop, that not only made the case partially see-through but then made that cover brilliant Bondi blue.
Embrace the iPhone colors, Apple.
If that makes you nervous, don’t worry: Most people will put a case on it anyway.
Technologies
Astronomers Say There’s an Increased Possibility of Life on This Distant Planet
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers are working to confirm potential evidence of life on a distant exoplanet dubbed K2-18b.

Astronomers are nearing a statistically significant finding that could confirm the potential signs of life detected on the distant exoplanet K2-18b are no accident.
The team of astronomers, led by the University of Cambridge, used data from the James Webb Space Telescope (which has only been in use since the end of 2021) to detect chemical traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which they say can only be produced by life such as phytoplankton in the sea.
According to the university, «the results are the strongest evidence yet that life may exist on a planet outside our solar system.»
The findings were published this week in the Astrophysical Journal Letters and point to the possibility of an ocean on this planet’s surface, which scientists have been hoping to discover for years. In the abstract for the paper, the team says, «The possibility of hycean worlds, with planet-wide oceans and H2-rich atmospheres, significantly expands and accelerates the search for habitable environments elsewhere.»
Not everyone agrees, however, that what the team found proves there’s life on the exoplanet.
Science writer and OpenMind Magazine founder Corey S. Powell posted about the findings on Bluesky, writing, «The potential discovery of alien life is so enticing that it drags even reputable outlets into running naive or outright misleading stories.» He added, «Here we go again with planet K2-18b.Um….there’s strong evidence of non-biological sources of the molecule DMS.»
K2-18b is 124 light-years away and much larger than Earth (more than eight times our mass), but smaller than Neptune. The search for signs of even basic life on a planet like this increases the chances that there are more planets like Earth that may be inhabitable, with temperatures and atmospheres that could sustain human-like lifeforms. The team behind the paper hopes that more study with the James Webb Space Telescope will help confirm their initial findings.
More research to do on finding life on K2-18b
The exoplanet K2-18b is not the only place where scientists are exploring the possibility of life, and this research is still an early step in the process, said Christopher Glein, a geochemist, planetary researcher and lead scientist at San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute. Excitement over the significance of the research, he said, should be tempered.
«We need to be careful here,» Glein said. «It appears that there is something in the data that can’t be explained, and DMS/DMDS can provide an explanation. But this detection is stretching the limits of JWST’s capabilities.»
Glein added, «Further work is needed to test whether these molecules are actually present. We also need complementary research assessing the abiotic background on K2-18b and similar planets. That is, the chemistry that can occur in the absence of life in this potentially exotic environment. We might be seeing evidence of some cool chemistry rather than life.»
The TRAPPIST-1 planets, he said, are being researched as potentially habitable, as is LHS 1140b, which he said «is another astrobiologically significant exoplanet, which might be a massive ocean world.»
As for K2-18b, Glein said many more tests need to be performed before there’s consensus on life existing on it.
«Finding evidence of life is like prosecuting a case in the courtroom,» Glein said. «Multiple independent lines of evidence are needed to convince the jury, in this case the worldwide scientific community.» He added, «If this finding holds up, then that’s Step 1.»
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