Late 2019 and 2020 was challenging year for the whole world. We all saw the havoc COVID-19 recked. Humanity was at its toes to develop a method of eradicating or at least controlling this infection. After long months of research, top scientists developed an effective vaccine against SAR-COV-2 and, now, we have a booster shot to increase the former vaccine's effectiveness. 

However, there are some specifications to note before you take it. You can not take the COVID vaccine booster shot if you haven't passed through the previous vaccination process.

The most required eligibility criteria for taking the booster shot are to complete the primary COVID-19 vaccination series. The United States approves of three particular COVID-19 vaccines to prevent its spread. These three vaccines are Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines), Johnson & Johnson's Janssen, and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.

While AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst does not provide COVID vaccines, we do provide COVID testing. If you are suffering from COVID symptoms or have been exposed, visit our center to get tested today. 

Who Is Eligible For A Booster?

Everybody aged five and over can be vaccinated against the coronavirus. You can get information on vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 here.

People who recently recovered from Coronavirus infection are also eligible for vaccination if at least three months have passed since the recovery date or if they have received a positive result on a serological examination.

The booster shot is available for everyone who has undergone the initial vaccination process.

How many vaccine doses are given

The dose and duration between each dose might vary slightly depending on the vaccine's manufacturer. Here is some basic information you need to know. 

Pfizer vaccine:

Pfizer vaccine is available for people of the age of 12 and up. It is given in two doses at an interval of 21 days apart, and a booster dose is given at least three months after receiving the second dose.

This is the only vaccine available for people less than 18 years. 

Modern's vaccine:

Only people age 18 and up are eligible to take this vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses at an interval of 28 days apart, and a booster dose is given at least three months after receiving the second dose.

AstraZeneca vaccine:

From the age of 18 and up - the vaccine is given in two doses at an interval of 28 days apart. There is still no approval for an impulse dose.

Fourth vaccine: At-risk populations and medical staff are authorized to give the fourth vaccine.

 

When Is The COVID Booster Most Effective?

It should be emphasized that the protection reaches its peak 12 days after receiving the booster dose. For example, 4 or 5 days after receiving the booster dose, the level of protection is low. 

The booster dose restores the level of protection for already vaccinated individuals against delta strain after receiving the first two doses. 

What Happens If I Get COVID While Boosted?

It is still possible to get infected with COVID-19 even with the booster dose when you contact an infected person with a mutated Covid strain.

The possibility of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 is relatively high within the first six days of getting a booster shot. 

But hey, you don't have to panic. Here is what you should know.

The booster shot gives you a better fighting chance, and you are less likely to come up with more severe symptoms. You, however, need to isolate yourself and alert the proper authority.