Who needs a little boost?
Most likely, the answer is you (if you haven’t already).
Should you get boosted or not?
That is the question everyone seems to be asking.
The CDC recently updated their guidelines for COVID-19 boosters to include everyone age 18 and older. Previously, they were only recommending boosters for those who were immunocompromised or those who work or live in a high-risk setting.
For those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, the CDC recommends getting a booster “at least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.” For those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC recommends getting a booster “at least 2 months after your shot.”
As far as which booster you should get, the CDC notes that you can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines. This includes the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines.
Why do I need a booster?
Studies show that the protection the vaccines provide against COVID-19 dwindles over time. The booster essentially re-ignites your immune system’s response to COVID.
What about this new variant?
The medical community and the world, at large, are monitoring the Omicron variant very closely. The concern is that our current vaccines may not provide sufficient protection against this variant. That is still to be determined but we should have some emerging data and clarity hopefully over the next two weeks.
Regardless, getting vaccinated is still one of the best steps you can take to help protect yourself and others.
Jeremiah Robinson is a certified and licensed physician associate with T Douglas Gurley MD in Atlanta, GA.