Do COVID-19 Boosters Work? Should You Get One?

COVID-19 booster shots have been covered in the news in the past couple of months, and as such, you may be wondering whether you should book an appointment to receive a booster. 

Let’s cover the basics about COVID-19 boosters, including what they’re supposed to accomplish, who should get one, and when boosters should be scheduled.

Do COVID-19 Boosters Work?

A COVID-19 booster is designed to provide individuals with a higher level of antibodies against the virus, similar to what they received from the first two vaccine doses. A higher antibody level should make it to where an individual is less likely to contract COVID-19, as well as less likely to become severely ill if infected. 

According to research, booster shots for COVID-19 can increase a person’s antibodies tenfold. 

Just like any other vaccine or booster shot, these injections are not a guarantee against contracting COVID-19. They’re intended to provide added protection against the illness by giving the immune system antibodies it needs to prevent infection. Regular precautions should still be taken to avoid contact with the virus, including wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands often.

Booster Scheduling

Depending on which COVID-19 vaccine an individual has received, the booster schedule may differ somewhat. 

Those who received both of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses can schedule a booster if five months or more have passed since their second vaccine dose. 

Those who received both of the Moderna vaccine doses can schedule a booster if five months or more have passed since their second vaccine dose.

Those who received the Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson vaccine in a single dose can schedule a booster if two or more months have passed since their initial dose.

Should I Get A Booster?

Boosters are recommended if two months have passed since the Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson vaccine and five months have passed since the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. This is because when those timelines have passed, the protection provided by the vaccine begins to weaken.

Having a booster can reduce the risk of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19, as well as increase an individual’s protection against the Delta and Omicron variants of the illness. 

For more information about COVID-19 infection, vaccines, and boosters, or to have testing performed, reach out to Swift Health. We have two convenient locations in Morrow, GA and College Park, GA. Please feel free to book an appointment with us at your convenience.

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