COVID-10 Vaccine Updates
On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer- BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for individuals 16 years of age and older and will be marketed as Comirnaty. Individuals that are 12 to 15 years in age are still able to get the vaccine at this time under the emergency use authorization (EUA). With this approval, it confirms that the vaccine is safe, effective, and meets manufacturing quality.
COVID-19 Booster shots are now becoming available!
The COVID-19 vaccines have shown to be effective in decreasing hospitalization, severe illness, and death. Overtime, individual’s protection to the virus may decrease, especially with the new variants such as the Delta variant. A booster shot would ensure that you remain protected. This fall, only those that received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines would be eligible to receive a booster shot.
Who will be eligible for a booster shot?
Patients that received their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine 8 months ago will be eligible. The plan will be to start administering the booster shot in the fall.
Who will get the booster shot first?
Similar to the initial rollout of the vaccine, booster shots will be offered to those that are at the most risk for COVID-19. These individuals include healthcare workers, long-term care residents, and other older adults.
What if I received the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine?
While there is no booster shot currently available for those that received the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, it is expected that there will be one available next year. Since the J&J/Janssen vaccine was offered to the public after the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine, the data is not yet available.
What is the difference between a booster shot and an additional dose?
A third dose of the vaccine is for certain individuals that are immunocompromised and did not build enough protection from the first two doses of the vaccine. These individuals can receive the vaccine at least 28 days after second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
On the other hand, booster shots are being offered because individuals were once fully protected from COVID-19, but now that protection is starting to decrease. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots will be offered to individuals 8 months after their second dose.
Information is accurate as of 8-29-2021
