Author: Kelly Carter
For those 12 years of age and above, the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved revised COVID boosters. Both the original coronavirus strain and the Omicron subvariants BA.4, and BA.5 will be the targets of the modified booster dose.
These booster doses aim to strengthen defenses against the viruses currently known to cause COVID-19.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the new boosters shots and how to get one if you need it.
How are the Omicron Boosters Different?
The boosters provide instructions that will aid our cells in developing defenses against the two strains of the COVID-19-causing virus. The shots instruct cells to produce antibodies that attach to some of the proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
The booster dose is identical to the prior vaccine that most people have previously received, said Dr. Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s vaccine research section. However, the vaccine’s design is now different. Therefore, this shot is currently made to combat two coronavirus strains.
Do You Need the Updated Booster Shot?
As long as they have received their first round of vaccinations, Americans ages 12 and older are advised to get the new booster shots. According to experts, everyone requires the updated booster shot because immunity to infections and vaccinations significantly declines with age.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID, stated in an interview with CNN on Friday that while he thinks the new booster shot is good for everyone, it will undoubtedly help the elderly and immunocompromised more.
Eligibility for the Booster Shots
If it has been at least two months since you last received a COVID shot, either a booster or an original vaccine, you may be eligible for the booster dose, according to CDC advice. Some experts suggest that you hold off for at least four months.
When should you get the Updated Shots?
The CDC advises delaying the vaccine if you recently overcame a COVID-19 infection until you are no longer contagious. You might want to wait at least three months following the onset of the symptoms before getting the shot for the most significant outcomes.
Where can you Get the Updated Booster Shots?
Millions of vaccines are being shipped to thousands of places around the country. Community health facilities, pharmacies, and health departments are examples of these. The shots are now available at Walgreens and CVS Health, and you can make appointments online at both locations.
The Biden administration anticipates that appointment availability will increase over the first few days, with widespread availability in a few weeks. Vaccine.gov now has locations for the new booster doses.
Furthermore, these shots will be accessible for free, but they may be some of the government’s last COVID-19 freebies. As of this fall, the government intends to commercialize vaccines and treatments.
The Available Booster Shots
There are currently two options available for the updated booster shot, including:
- Pfizer – a 30mg dose authorized for people as young as 12
- Moderna – a 50mg dose approved for people 18 and older
Are you getting the shot?
You can now obtain the new booster shot if you’re 12 or older. The booster shot was created to combat and protect against two coronavirus strains: the omicron subvariants and the original variant. If you have just contracted COVID-19 or received the previous vaccine, you should wait a few months before receiving the vaccine.