Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
COVID-19 booster shots are available for the following Pfizer vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 (six) months ago:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term facilities
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
Recent studies indicate that after receiving vaccinations against COVID-19, protection against the virus could decrease over time and be less effective in protection against the Delta variant. Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, data suggest vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms. Evidence indicates that among healthcare and other front-line workers, vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections is decreasing over time. This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of decreasing protection as time passes since getting vaccinated as well as the greater infectiousness of the Delta variant. (CDC.gov)
People aged 65years and older and adults 50-64 years with medical conditions should get a booster shot of Pfizer-Biotech vaccine.The actual risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions.
Questions?
When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if I am NOT in one of the recommended groups?
Other populations may be recommended to receive a booster shop as more data becomes available. The COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized in the United States continue to be effective at reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Medical experts are constantly looking at the data to understand how well the vaccines are working for different populations. This includes looking at how new variants, like Delta, affect vaccine effectiveness.
If one needs a booster shot, does that mean that the vaccines are not working?
No. COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.
What is the difference between a booster shot and an additional dose?
It is said that a booster shot is given when a person has completed their vaccine series and protection against the virus has decreased over time. Additional doses are given to people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. This additional dose of the vaccine is intended to improve immune compromised individuals response to their initial vaccine series.
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