People over 60 who have been vaccinated against corona will soon receive an invitation for a so-called booster vaccine. What does this vaccine do? is it the same as a 3rd shot? And when will you get it?
What is a booster vaccine?
The term booster vaccine has been doing the rounds for some time now. In some other countries, the elderly have been vaccinated some time ago with an extra dose of 1 of the approved vaccines. The purpose of such a jab is to maintain the immune system against the corona virus. This is especially important for older vaccinees, because research shows that after a completed injection series have less immune system than people from other age groups.
Is a booster vaccine the same as a 3rd shot?
The booster vaccine is also sometimes referred to as the 3rd shot. In fact, it is, of course, because those who have already been vaccinated twice will receive a needle in their arm for the 3rd time when the booster vaccine is administered. However, it remains with this literal similarity, because there are also a number of differences. For example, the real 3rd shot is only intended for people who may not have built up sufficient immunity after 2 vaccinations. Think, for example, of Dutch people with an immune disorder or seriously ill. They receive 3 injections with the same dose, so that they build up sufficient resistance.
A booster vaccine is intended for people who have already built up sufficient resistance after a completed series of injections. The 3rd shot is therefore purely intended as an extra stimulus and that is why the booster shots from manufacturer Moderna consist of half a dose, for example. Pfizer’s booster vaccines do contain full doses.
Also read: Reducing pain at the puncture site after vaccination (against corona)
–
Which vaccines are used for it?
The booster vaccines that will be used are mRNA vaccines. That is to say that it is a shot of – we already mentioned them above – Moderna or Pfizer. With an mRNA vaccine, a piece of the virus’s protein is introduced into the body via the vaccine, after which the body has to build up its own defenses. Even if you have had 1 of the also approved jabs from Janssen or AstraZeneca during the 1st round, you will receive Moderna or Pfizer during the booster vaccination round. This can’t hurt and you can’t choose which one you get.
When can you claim a booster vaccine?
On the website of the national government states that people over 80 are the first to be invited to get a booster vaccine. They can expect a letter from the GGD in the mail at the end of November and can be pricked from December 6, 2021. After this, all young people over 60 are invited; it is probably their turn from January 2022. Healthcare workers who have direct contact with patients are also eligible for such an injection. It concerns people working in:
- hospitals;
- nursing homes;
- small-scale housing;
- clinical specialist medical rehabilitation;
- GP practices;
- ambulance services;
- intramural care for the disabled;
- mental health care (GGZ) and mental health crisis service
- district nursing.
People who live in a care institution and are older than 18 are also eligible for a booster shot.
Are there conditions?
Anyone who has completed a 1st injection series and is 60 years or older can get such a vaccine. The only condition is that the last corona jab must have been taken at least 6 months ago. According to the RIVM, it is otherwise of little use to have you vaccinated again. This will be the case for almost everyone over the age of 60 in December 2021, but it is useful to keep this in mind if you have been vaccinated later.
Would you like to know more about booster vaccination? Then look at the website of the national government.
(Source: Central government, RIVM, GGD)
–
:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/3df7e0ee-43c4-11ec-9e7d-0255c322e81b.jpg "‘Stop!’ Belarus migrants cross border into Germany | Abroad")