In most cases, you can book your booster vaccine through the same channels you received your initial shot.
COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are here. These vaccines constitute a follow-up shot to your first round of coronavirus vaccination and are either your second shot for Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), or your third for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
For a while, booster COVID-19 vaccine shots were only available to older age groups in the US. They have now become available for anyone 16 years of age or older.
Should you get one? Here’s a rundown of facts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you make your decision.
Why You May Now Need a COVID-19 Booster Shot
The initial COVID-19 vaccines were formulated to have your body produce antibodies to fight off the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is causing COVID-19. Since that time, the virus has mutated and changed. The novel coronavirus has brought us the Delta and Omicron variants, along with others, which are now circulating the world.
Although the original round of vaccines are still proving to be effective at keeping most vaccinated people from developing a serious case of COVID-19 and dying from it, their efficacy has gone down. According to the CDC, this is happening because it’s likely the general power of the vaccine to protect us decreases over time. In addition, new variants of the virus are mutating to become better at evading the vaccine.
What Side Effects Are There to Booster Shots?
Experiencing minor side effects after a COVID-19 vaccine is common. Whether or not your booster shot will cause the same side effects in your body as your original coronavirus vaccine is hard to predict. Some people report having experienced no side effects in the first two rounds, or first round. Others have had side effects with each shot, or not at all across the board.
Related: All About the New COVID-19 Mutation, Omicron
Typically, side effects from the booster shot can include pain, redness, and swelling at the site of the injection. You might also feel tired, have a headache, and develop muscle pain, chills, nausea and a fever. These symptoms are typically short-lived and only last for a day or two before you’re back to normal. If you plan your schedule for a little rest and relaxation you should be good to go.
The Risks Associated With COVID-19 Booster Shots
Most people do not experience any serious side effects with a COVID-19 vaccine. Millions of people have received one of the approved vaccines in the US without any problems. This is because the vaccines have met strict regulations outlined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with regards to safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing that need to be met for all vaccines approved for use in the US.
This being said, very occasionally, a person may have an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a vaccine. They also may experience thrombosis, or blood clots. These reactions are rare and are currently only associated with the J &J/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the US. According to many researchers well-schooled in vaccines, the chances of you suffering from long term side effects in connection with receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are very unlikely.
For more information about side effects and the risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccines, click here.
Where Can You Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster?
Free and easy to get, you can get your COVID-19 booster shot through the same channels you received your first vaccines. For comprehensive information, click on the CDC’s ‘How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine?” page found here.
