It’s time to gear up for your COVID-19 vaccine once again.
A new booster shot is on the horizon to shield you against the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended this updated vaccine, available in versions produced by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Here, we address some key questions about the booster shot and provide important information you should know before receiving it.
Why is a booster shot necessary?
Boosters are vital for sustaining protection against the virus, particularly as new variants of COVID-19 emerge. The CDC emphasizes that these updated vaccines should effectively combat presently circulating variants, including the BA.2.86 variant, and continue to be the best defense against severe illness. Furthermore, the CDC states that both the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and the level of protection against infection diminish over time. An updated vaccine offers enhanced protection against the variants currently dominating hospitalizations in the United States.
Is it recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older?
While the CDC recommends the booster shot for everyone aged 6 months and older, it is not perceived as an absolute necessity by all, as this may depend on individual medical conditions and other factors.
Dr. Paul A. Offit, an infectious disease specialist and pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, affirms that certain individuals at higher risk of developing severe illness, such as those over 75, individuals with specific health conditions (diabetes, obesity, chronic lung or heart disease), and immune-compromised individuals, should definitely receive the booster. However, for others with a lower risk profile, it may be a matter of “low risk, low reward.” In other words, receiving the booster might offer a few months of protection against mild illness but is not an absolute necessity, according to Dr. Offit.
As the COVID-19 landscape evolves, staying informed and considering individual circumstances is key. Remember, vaccination remains a crucial tool in our fight against the virus and its variants.
The New COVID-19 Booster: What You Need to Know
As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, health experts are emphasizing the importance of staying updated with vaccine boosters. CDC director Dr. Mandy K. Cohen affirms that keeping up with the changing virus is crucial for maintaining protection. In a recent column for The New York Times, Dr. Cohen highlighted that even her own family, including her 9- and 11-year-old daughters, will be receiving the booster.
Recovering from COVID-19 or Had a Previous Booster?
If you have recently recovered from COVID-19 or have received a previous booster shot, it is recommended to wait before getting the new vaccine. According to Dr. Offit, waiting at least two to four months is advisable.
The CDC states that individuals should still receive the COVID-19 vaccine even if they have previously had the virus. However, there may be a consideration to delay the next vaccine dose by three months from the start of COVID-19 symptoms or from receiving a positive test result, if asymptomatic.
Availability and Distribution
The new COVID-19 booster vaccine is expected to be widely available by the end of this week at various vaccination locations. According to the CDC, most places where you typically receive vaccines will offer the new booster.
Cost and Coverage
While the list prices for the new booster shots range from $110 to $130, most Americans can obtain the vaccine at no cost through their health insurance plans. The CDC assures that the majority of health insurance policies cover the cost of the COVID-19 vaccine.
For those without health insurance, there are still ample free options available. Local health centers, health departments, and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program offer free vaccinations. To find out more about where to get the booster shot, visit Vaccines.gov.
Stay informed and protected by keeping up with the latest updates on COVID-19 and its vaccine boosters.