All across the United States, COVID-19 booster shots for all three vaccines—Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson—are being rolled out to eligible individuals.
With more and more people getting their third (or second, in the case of J&J) vaccine dose, Dr. Peramsetty has received several questions from patients regarding COVID-19 booster shots. Especially the Moderna COVID-19 Booster, as this is the coronavirus vaccine offered at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Dr. Peramsetty is here to clear up some confusion and help you better understand what booster shots are, why they are important, and who is eligible for COVID-19 booster shots.
What is a COVID-19 Booster Shot?
A COVID-19 booster shot is simply a third dose of the vaccine, or second dose if you received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine.
Following initial vaccination, the amount of antibodies produced by the body in response to the original shot(s) slowly decreases. The booster shot aims to help people better maintain an optimal level of immunity for longer protection from the coronavirus.
Why are Booster Shots Important?
Unfortunately, immunity from COVID-19 wanes over time. This leaves many people vulnerable to the virus, especially coronavirus variants that are highly transmissible and more deadly than the original.
Health authorities are recommending COVID-19 booster shots for added protection to individuals who are at-risk. Evidence has shown that there is a dramatic increase in antibody numbers when a third immunization dose is administered, offering better protection against the deadly virus.
Who is Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots?
At the moment, millions of people are eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the following groups are currently eligible:
65 years or older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings (i.e. nursing home)
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions (i.e. diabetes type 1 and 2)
Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings (i.e. healthcare workers)
Age 18+ who received J&J vaccine more than 2 months ago
There are a few additional requirements to ensure you are eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot. If you initially received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you must have received your second vaccine shot six or more months ago to be eligible for a booster shot.
In the case of Johnson & Johnson, you are eligible for a COVID booster shot if it has been more than two months since your original vaccination shot.
Which Booster Shot Should You Get?
With all three vaccine manufacturers rolling out booster shots, many are wondering which they should get and if one is better than the other.
While many believe they have to receive their booster shot from the same brand of their original vaccination, the CDC’s recommendations now allow for the mixing and matching of booster shot doses. This offers flexibility and more opportunities for vaccinating as many people as possible.
Overall, there is no one COVID-19 booster shot that is better than the other. That said, there is no recommendation to switch vaccination brands, but if you have the opportunity to receive a booster shot from a different brand, it might be best to take it for added protection.
Moderna Booster Shot in Tuscaloosa at Crimson Care
If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, get in touch with Dr. Peramsetty and his expert team at Crimson Care! We’re currently offering the Moderna booster shot to eligible patients to help them stay safe and protected from COVID-19. Click here to schedule your Moderna booster shot!
Additional COVID-19 Services at Crimson Care
Do you need to test for COVID-19, receive an antibody treatment, or get vaccinated for COVID-19? Dr. Peramsetty and his experienced team offer these COVID-19 services and more at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa!
Use our online scheduling portal to book your appointment today! We’re currently offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 18 and older at our Crimson Care and First Care clinics.