Millions more Americans just became eligible for COVID-19 boosters, but figuring out who's eligible and when can be confusing. And adding to the challenge is that this time around, people can choose a different brand of vaccine for that extra dose.
A number of factors, including the vaccine you started with and when your last dose was, help determine when you qualify. Just like the initial shots, boosters are free and will be available at pharmacies, doctors' offices and clinics.
Here are some things to know:
WHY ARE BOOSTERS NEEDED?
People who are fully vaccinated are still strongly protected against hospitalization and death from COVID-19. But immunity against infection can wane over time, and the extra-contagious delta variant is spreading widely.
ARE BOOSTERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL THREE VACCINES AUTHORIZED IN THE
Yes,
CAN I GET A BOOSTER NOW?
If you got
WHAT IF I GOT THE J&J SHOT?
Anyone who got a J&J shot at least two months ago is eligible, regardless of age or other factors.
WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DIFFERENT VACCINES?
A single shot of the J&J vaccine is less effective than two doses of the
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO WAIT SIX MONTHS?
Experts agree that getting a booster too soon can reduce the benefit. Timing matters because the immune system gradually builds layers of defenses over months, and letting that response mature improves the chances another, later dose will provide even stronger protection.
WHAT DOES ‘MIXING AND MATCHING’ BOOSTER DOSES MEAN?
It means a booster of a different brand from your original vaccination. That gives flexibility in situations such as nursing homes where only one type of booster might be brought in. It also gives people at risk of a rare side effect linked to one kind of vaccine the option of switching to a different shot.
SHOULD I SEEK OUT A DIFFERENT VACCINE?
The
DO I NEED A BOOSTER TO STILL BE CONSIDERED FULLY VACCINATED?
No, the
WILL THIS BE MY LAST BOOSTER?
Nobody knows. Some scientists think eventually people may get regular COVID-19 shots like annual flu vaccinations. But researchers will need to study how long protection from the current boosters lasts.
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