Millions of Americans can now access the Pfizer booster vaccine to increase their protection against the worst effects of the coronavirus.
Here is a look at the details of this new phase of the vaccination campaign:
WHO SHOULD PUT ON THE PFIZER REINFORCEMENT?
– People aged 65 and over and residents of nursing homes.
– People ages 50 to 64 with a long list of health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV, and heart disease. Being overweight or obese is a category that affects approximately 70% of people in this age group.
WHO ELSE CAN CONSIDER GETTING THE BOOSTER VACCINE?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the following people can wear the booster, but refrain from recommending it entirely:
– People ages 18 to 49 who received their first doses of Pfizer at least six months ago and have health problems may consider booster shots depending on the benefits and risks it poses to them.
– Anyone from 18 to 64 years old with a job that involves risks, such as health personnel. Prisoners and people living in homeless shelters are also in this group.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Serious side effects from the first couple of doses of Pfizer are extremely rare, including inflammation of the heart, something that has been found in some young men.
COULD SOME PEOPLE ALREADY ACCESS THE THIRD DOSE?
Yes, those with severely weakened immune systems can now take the third dose of Pfizer or Moderna. This group includes those who are taking immunosuppressive medications and suffer from diseases that deplete their immune systems. These people did not have to wait six months for their third dose.
IF THEY MADE ME MODERN, CAN I PUT THE PFIZER REINFORCEMENT?
Not yet. The health authorities indicate that they still do not have enough information on the application of several brands of vaccines to a single person. Moderna has asked the United States health authorities to give the green light to reinforce its brand, which would be half the original doses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering that request.
WHAT IF THEY GOT J & J’S ON ME?
People who received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine should also wait. The government does not recommend mixing vaccine brands. J&J has not yet requested authorization for his booster dose. However, the company released information this week showing that two doses of its vaccine boost immunity more than just one, whether the booster is given two or six months after the first dose.
WHERE CAN I PUT MY REINFORCEMENT?
Health departments, clinics and pharmacies are offering the reinforcements, and many people have already put them on before the authorities authorized them. The applicant may have to show their vaccination card. It will not be necessary to prove that the person is in a risky job or has a health problem; it will suffice for me to say so.
ARE THE REINFORCEMENTS FREE?
Yes. Vaccines given with FDA clearance for emergency use are free. And there must be enough in stock.
AM I ‘FULLY VACCINATED’ WITHOUT THE BOOSTER?
YES. The person who has received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one of J&J, is still considered fully vaccinated.
WHY DID THE REINFORCEMENTS CAUSE SO MUCH CONTROVERSY?
It is not entirely clear that they are necessary. Studies show that vaccines continue to offer strong protection to prevent people of all ages from getting a severe case of COVID-19. And many experts want to focus on vaccinating the uninoculated, the group most at risk of infection, hospitalization and death.
On the other hand, there is a slight drop in the effectiveness of vaccines among older adults. And immunity against a mild infection seems to wear off months after the initial doses. Protecting healthcare personnel from even mild illness could help some hospitals struggling to care for unvaccinated COVID-19 patients.
ARE OTHER COUNTRIES OFFERING THE REINFORCEMENTS?
Britain and Israel are already implementing the boosters despite strong objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries do not have enough stocks for their initial doses.
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The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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