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Do You Need a COVID-19 Booster Shot?

young woman in doctor office getting a vaccine

Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time.

  • CDC recommends everyone ages 18 and older should get a COVID-19 booster shot
  • CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
  • Bring your COVID-19 Vaccination Record card to your booster shot appointment so your provider can fill in the information about your booster dose.
  • You may experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19.

Although COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination becomes less effective over time, especially in people aged 65 and older and at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms.

  • The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.
  • Emerging evidence also shows that among healthcare and other frontline workers, vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections is also decreasing over time.
  • This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of decreasing protection as time passes since getting vaccinated, as well as the greater infectiousness of the Delta variant.

Source: cdc.gov – 12/1/2021

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