With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on nearly two years later, many people around the world are unsure of the safety of returning to a pre-pandemic lifestyle. One specific concern is the emerging Delta variant, which is said to be more easily transmittable compared to the previous iterations. Even among those who are fully vaccinated, some extra precautions may need to be taken to ensure complete safety. One of these precautions is a COVID-19 booster shot.
The COVID-19 booster shot is another dosage of a vaccine, and it is offered by Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Moderna. It is different from the third dosage of the vaccine, as those were given out specifically for those who are immunocompromised to help them achieve higher immunity. As for who can get the booster, this is where it gets more complicated. The CDC states, As of Oct 21, that if you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine shot over two months ago and are over the age of 18, you are eligible for the booster dosage.
However, if you received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, only a select few are able to get the booster shot. The CDC announced on their website that those between the ages of 18 and 65 may only secure the booster shot if they live or work in high-risk areas, live in a long-term care facility, or have underlying medical facilities. Those over the age of 65 are automatically qualified for the booster.
As stated previously, the vaccine is recommended to help fight the Delta variant, and it has been theorized that a COVID-19 shot might become a yearly occurrence, much like the annual flu shots we all get.
Another common question people have about the booster shot is if you can get it from a different supplier from what you got your original doses from. To answer this question, the CDC has confirmed that people can mix-and-match booster shots without an effect on the efficacy.
Various trials, including one performed by Pfizer, proved that the booster shot is effective at increasing resistance to COVID-19 in those who took the vaccine more than six months previously. While it remains to be seen, these further doses of the vaccine may be pivotal in finally getting the world past this pandemic, permanently.
For those interested in scheduling a vaccine or booster shot, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489) or visit vaccines.gov for more information
Alex Cutler
Reporter