The definition of what it means to be “fully vaccinated” is evolving even as the CDC has remained careful not to change it officially.
Why it matters: CDC officials have been balancing the job of convincing Americans who’ve already gotten two doses of the importance of boosters with getting many Americans who still need their first doses to get their shots at all.
“What we’re really working to do is pivot the language to make sure everyone is up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as they personally could be, should be, based on when they got their last vaccine,” CDC director Rochelle Walensky said during a press briefing.
“If you’ve recently gotten your second dose but you’re not eligible for a booster, you’re up-to-date,” she said. “If you’re eligible for a booster and you haven’t gotten it, you’re not up-to-date and you need to get your booster.”
Between the lines: This definition has potential ripple effects, as many cities around the U.S. have begun vaccine mandates.
While some businesses, universities and others have begun to require the booster shots, most are using the CDC’s definition of “fully vaccinated,” which means a person has completed their primary series of COVID vaccines.
