Sean
Why booster shots?
Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant.
This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of:
- Decreasing protection as time passes since getting vaccinated (e.g., waning immunity)
- The greater infectiousness of the Delta variant.
Data from a small clinical trial showed that a booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
Eligibility for booster shots
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Mixing and matching vaccines
Individuals have a say in which vaccine they get as a booster shot. Some people prefer the vaccination type they had when they were first immunized, while others prefer to obtain a different booster. This form of mix-and-match booster shots is now allowed per the CDC’s recommendations.
Where to get the booster shot from?
Most local pharmacies are offering one, two, or all 3 types of the booster shots.
For example, if you want to get your booster shot from CVS, you need to go to cvs.com and make an appointment online. Different CVS locations may be offering different types of booster shots, so you can choose based on location and/or the type of shot you want to get.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to walk into a pharmacy and get a booster shot on the spot, without an appointment. You will just have to fill out a form.
Insurance covers the booster shot so you have to provide your insurance card to the pharmacist or enter the information online.
Note: You should bring your original proof-of-vaccination card when you go to get your booster shot so they can write the date of the booster shot on your vaccine card.
