By Morgan Kikke
November 5, 2021
It feels like the COVID-19 vaccination just came out. But now there’s a new booster shot to protect against the new variant, Delta. Think of it as a flu shot: When a new variant spreads, a new vaccination is made. There are some differences and similarities between the original COVID-19 vaccine and the booster.
A similarity between the original vaccine and the booster shot is that there are certain groups that can go at certain times. As of November 3, those 65 or older, 18+ living in long-term care settings, 18+ with underlying medical conditions, and 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings can get the new booster shot, if they have had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago. Those who are 18+ and have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (for at least 2 months), can get the booster as well.
When you go to your appointment, you must bring your original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. Also, many workers can get booster shots through their jobs. Such jobs include first responders, education staff, food and agriculture workers, manufacturers, correctional officers, U.S. postal service employees, public transit workers, and grocery store workers. Some side effects may include injection-site pain and swelling, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches, similar to COVID-19 vaccination side effects.
Even though most of us students can’t get the booster shot yet, we should get it when we can. We should also still be performing safety standards, such as social distancing and wearing a mask over the face and nose. Stay safe, especially during this cold and flu season!