2020 will always be remembered as the year humanity experienced a literal standstill because of the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. To combat the pandemic, immune system enhancing vaccines were introduced including subsequent boosters to combat the Omicron Variant of the disease.
On September 1, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new COVID-19 booster shots designed to combat multiple variants of the disease particularly Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5. The new booster shots, one by Pfizer-Biotech, and the other by Moderna, have generated questions as regards its usage.
Here is what you should know about the new booster shots.
Who is eligible to take the new booster shots?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, for individuals to take the new bivalent shots, they must have taken previous COVID-19 vaccines at least two months ago. Anyone above 12 can take Pfizer’s booster while only adults above 18 can take the Moderna booster.
However, children within 5-11 years are not eligible for the new booster shots. The same is applicable for people who have recently been infected by the disease as they are advised to wait at least three months before they can take the new booster shots.
What are the side effects of the new booster shots?
According to a virologist at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Andrew Pekosz, “all of the side effects of the new bivalent booster shots are very similar to what we saw with the regular booster, and even going back to the initial vaccination.” The major side effects reported from the Moderna booster shots ranged from pain at the injected site to fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, muscle and joint pain.
Are the new booster shots safe?
Aside the fact that the updated booster offers advanced protection against Omicron sub-variants, trials on mice and humans have revealed that the vaccines are safe. The only side effects you might experience are the same as those of the original booster.
Can pregnant women take the new booster shots?
The new booster shots are not just safe for pregnant women but just like the previous vaccines, scientists predict that the antibodies generated as a result of the presence of the vaccine in a mother will be transferred to her child.
Where can I get the new booster shot?
The new bivalent booster shots have been made available at pharmacies, primary care clinics, and community health centers. However, if you struggle to find health centers or pharmacies that have booster shots, you can check vaccines.gov to search for the nearest sites near you.
If it’s been 2 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose, get an updated vaccine now to help protect against Omicron. Click here to speak with a health specialist or call CWWCHC toll-free at 866-299-4968 to schedule an appointment with us.
