The Biden Administration has given the go-head for another COVID vaccine booster for individuals aged 50 and older and those who are immunocompromised. Now, they can receive another Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech booster at least four months after their last dose.
However, just because an additional booster is available, does that mean you need to get it?
Health officials argue that the protection provided by the COVID vaccine booster shots wanes over time and there is concern for people considered to be at highest risk of contracting severe COVID. The CDC hasn’t made it clear on how urgently people should be lining up for heir second boosters. The agency states these groups are now “eligible” for the shots but stopped short of saying whether or not they should get them. And some infectious disease expert say not everyone in this age group even needs another shot.
So, if you’re wondering whether you fall into the category of needing a second booster, here are a few key factors to consider:
Risk of serious illness increases with age
Risk tracks with age, and older people have the highest risk.
Underlying conditions put you at higher risk
Certain medical conditions also increase the risk of serious illness and health from COVID, and that’s the reason the FDA decided to authorize the additional boosters starting at age 50.
Immunocompromised people may need the extra boost
Health officials are particularly concerned about people who are immunocompromised because their immune responses to the vaccine tends to wane faster and they are at higher risk of getting severely ill or dying, which is why anyone 12 or older with specific immunocompromised conditions can now get the additional shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, four months after their last dose. A second booster of the Moderna vaccine can be given to those 18 years of age and older
Timing from last dose or infection is important
There is mounting evidence of waning vaccine protection against serious illness from Covid-19 in older and immunocompromised people, whoa re are at least for to six months past their first booster, suggesting that those were boosted that long ago probably have limited protection against current infection. Or if you’ve had a recent Covid-19 infection, you’ve had three shots or if you’ve had omicron sometime between December and now, it may be reasonable to wait.
What should you do? We suggest speaking with your doctor. Don’t have health insurance? That’s where we come in! We can help you find the exact right coverage to fit your needs and your wallet. Give us a call today, we are happy to help!
