A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.
WHO CAN GET A COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER?
The CDC recommends a COVID-19 booster if you are:
* 18 or older and received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
* 18 or older and received both required doses of the Moderna vaccine at least six months ago
* 16 or older and received both required doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine and booster authorized for individuals ages 16 and 17.
WHAT ARE COVID BOOSTER SIDE EFFECTS?
After getting vaccinated for COVID-19, you might experience some temporary symptoms similar to those you might notice when you get a flu shot, such as a sore, swollen arm where you got the shot. You might run a fever and experience body aches, headaches and tiredness for a day or two. Chills, swollen lymph nodes can also occur.
These symptoms do not mean you are sick. They signal that your immune system is responding to the shots and building up protection against the coronavirus.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOOSTER AND AN ADDITIONAL DOSE?
A COVID-19 booster is given when a person has completed their vaccine series, and protection against the virus has decreased over time. Depending on the original series you had, some details will vary. Please review the booster eligibility information above and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure if you meet these guidelines. Please note, if you receive the Moderna booster, you will receive half of the original Moderna dose.
An additional dose is administered to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. This additional dose is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series. Depending on the original series given, some details will vary. Please review the additional dose eligibility information and talk to your health care provider if you are not sure if you meet these guidelines.
Does my COVID booster or additional dose have to be the same brand that I got before?
No, you can mix and match brands. The FDA has authorized three vaccine boosters — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson — and determined that it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster or additional dose that is a different brand than your initial dose or doses.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine and booster authorized for individuals ages 16 and 17.
If you get the Moderna booster, you will receive half of the original Moderna dose. Please be sure to confirm this with the person giving you the shot.
Article by Mr. Mohammed Khalid, Debt Collector.