The Annual Flu Shot
Covid-19 Vaccine Boosters Discussion
You may have wondered if you should get an additional dose. This article aims to answer some frequently asked questions with regards to the latest omicron variant.
What’s the Difference between Booster or Third Dose?
Booster
- Helps boost waning immunity
- Given at least 6 months after initial mRNA doses or 2 months after the J&J shot
- Approved for all adults, 16+ for Pfizer
- Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson
Third dose
- Helps certain people reach a stronger level of immunity not reached after 2 doses
- Given 28 days after the second vaccine dose
- For those with certain immunocompromising conditions
- Pfizer and Moderna
Vaccine Status?
If you are eligible, you can get your booster of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines if it has been at least six months since your first two doses. If you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can get your booster if it has been at least two months since your shot.
Vaccine Equity?
Vaccine equity measures the equal allocation of vaccines across all countries, regardless of their developmental or economic status. Currently, the global distribution of vaccines is being shaped by demanding political, economical, diplomatic, and health-related matters.
How accessible are Vaccines Globally?
A slower and delayed rollout in low and middle-income countries has left people vulnerable to present and future Covid-19 variants. It’s reported by the WHO that access to vaccines in low-income countries is still scarcely low.
Are Vaccines affordable for all countries?
Global organizations like UNICEF have reported the average cost per Covid-19 vaccine dose ranges from $2–40 where the estimated distribution cost is $3.70 per person vaccinated with two doses (accounting for vaccine wastage). If greater coverage is required to ensure a stop to the spread of Covid-19 then the financial burden on most vulnerable countries increases.
Will I experience the same side effects?
The reactions that have been reported were alike to that of the two doses with mild symptoms including lots of sore throats: some headache, fatigue, chills, joint pain, and muscle pain.
Do I need to get the same vaccine?
If you are 18 years or older you can now choose which covid-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot.
Scheduling Your Booster Shot?
If in England, you can use the NHS service to find a walk-in coronavirus vaccination site. Book yours now whilst availability fades.
Maximize your protection against COVID-19.
A new booster is being offered in the UK to help give you long-term protection against getting seriously ill from Covid-19. To date, no long-term side effects related to the COVID-19 vaccines have been detected, the CDC says. Two things to keep in mind with regards to side effects are:
- 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.
- Stay flexible. This booster could be the end of the COVID-19 vaccine series or it could be the start of a more regular schedule, like the annual flu shot.
Useful Resources
- Nature(2021). https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03592-2 . Date AccessedL 28/12/21
- NHS(2021) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/. Date Accessed: 28/12/21
- Rachel Nania, AARP (2021) https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/booster-shot-side-effects.html . Date Accessed: 28/12/21
- Date Futures (2021) https://data.undp.org/vaccine-equity/?utm_source=EN&utm_medium=GSR&utm_content=US_UNDP_PaidSearch_Brand_English&utm_campaign=CENTRAL&c_src=CENTRAL&c_src2=GSR&gclid=CjwKCAiAiKuOBhBQEiwAId_sK7y0CZiRz6IblpX_4vuqmt0J91cP5MCssIMOOU2YQtswyMSapd77IhoCCrkQAvD_BwE . Date Accessed: 29/12/21
