With the rapid spread of this highly contagious Omicron variant of the Covid-19, there has been a great need of getting prepared for dealing with it. In all these, getting a Covid-19 booster has been one of the major things to be considered. However, who should consider getting a covid-19 booster? Read further and explore by yourself.
CDC Says That Everyone Above 12 years is Eligible For Getting a Covid-19 Booster:
According to the CDC or the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it has been said that all fully vaccinated people of the age group 12 and older in the United States should get a booster dose at the soonest.(1)
Anyone who is of 12 years of age and above and has received the Moderna vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, is eligible for a booster after 5 months of their second dose.(2)
It is recommended by the CDC that adults receive either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in most conditions. However, children in the age group of 12-17 years can only receive Pfizer-BioNTech for their booster.
It is also said that adults who have received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for Covid-19 booster at least after 2 months of their dose. The CDC recommends that such adults receive one of the mRNA vaccines in most situations.
It is even recommended that moderately or severely immunocompromised children in their age group 5-11 years, can receive an additional primary dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, after 28 days of their second dose.(3)
The Omicron variant of Coronavirus is more transmissible, and that’s why it is resulting in another surge of coronavirus cases. It has been shown that one or two doses of any Covid-19 vaccine could offer only a little protection against Omicron; still, they could offer protection against severe illness.
However, the covid-19 booster doses can increase the protection against infection and also strengthen protection against hospitalization and severe illness.
But, Who Should Consider Getting A Covid-19 Booster As Early As Possible?
Although all adults are eligible for a covid-19 booster, some people should consider getting a covid-19 booster as early as possible. Read below to know about them.
Elderly People And Patients With Underlying Medical Conditions:
Elderly people and those who have compromising comorbidities should be the first to take a covid-19 booster. Fully vaccinated people suffering from underlying medical conditions are more likely to suffer from severe covid-19 if they ever develop the infection.
People with some underlying medical conditions like cancer, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases, down syndrome, heart conditions, HIV infections, diabetes, dementia, and other neurological conditions, should also be vaccinated with the booster soon.(4)
People Who Have Exposure Risk Due To Their Job:
People with frequent exposure risk because of their job increases the chance that a person will contract the coronavirus and also transmit the virus to others if they have an infection themselves. The CDC has approved earlier covid-19 boosters for people living in long-term care settings, like those who are healthcare workers, firefighters, public transit workers, manufacturing workers, food and agriculture workers, postal workers, educators, and grocery store workers. (5) All such people put themselves out into a public area where there is a chance of spreading the infection.
Unvaccinated People:
It is also important for unvaccinated people to get vaccinated. As per the CDC reports, it has been reported that in the United States, around 16% o people ages 12 and above have not had even a single vaccination dose.(6)
Though fully vaccinated people can end up in the hospital due to covid-19, unvaccinated people have a greater risk.
Take Away:
Getting a covid-1 booster is one’s own choice. However, this could affect your entire family and friends around you. Many people feel that booster is a luxury. But, one must know that this mentality needs a change and everyone should consider taking a covid-19 booster and keep themselves and their dear ones safe.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-shortens-interval-booster-dose-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-five-months
- https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0104-Pfizer-Booster.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
- https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-total-admin-rate-total
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