What to expect if you want a covid-19 booster

West Pennsylvanians who want a booster of the covid-19 vaccine will likely be lucky enough to get one in the coming months.

The Biden administration earlier this week recommended additional protection for all Americans, starting September 20 for those who were fully immunized by the end of January.

In Pennsylvania, this primarily includes priority groups working in health care, residents of long-term care facilities, and those who work and live in other collective settings.

With a plentiful supply of vaccines and declining demand in the United States, getting a booster appears to be much easier than signing up for the first round of vaccines earlier this year. Then, backlogs plagued suppliers and pharmacies across the state, and deliveries were sparse and sporadic.

Health officials have suggested that a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine be given to people eight months after the second dose. The aim is to provide additional protection if the effectiveness of the initial vaccination begins to decline or is found to be less effective against aggressive versions of covid such as the delta variant.

Meanwhile, efforts continue to persuade those hesitant to receive their first dose, as the rapidly spreading delta variant poses an increased risk to younger, healthier people who are not vaccinated.

“The inalienable fact that strikes us every day in healthcare is that people admitted with covid and who die from covid are not vaccinated,” said Dr Amy Crawford-Faucher, family physician and vice-president. President of the Primary Care Institute of the Allegheny Health Network. “I don’t know what other proof people need to protect themselves and their vulnerable loved ones. Getting vaccinated is the answer.

The plan to open the recalls to almost all Americans is awaiting final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has studied the safety and effectiveness of the third dose.

Here’s what you need to know to get a covid booster:

Q: When can I get a booster shot and where do I go to get one?

At this time, only adults and children over 12 who are immunocompromised can receive booster shots.

The announcement of the Biden administration came about a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a third dose of the vaccine for some people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients. organ.

If the FDA gives the green light for the wider rollout, booster shots will be available to people already vaccinated about eight months after their second dose. This means that someone who received their second dose in March or April will have to wait until November or December.

People who have had their second dose more recently – in May or later – will have to wait until next year.

Boosters should be available wherever vaccines are available. This includes not only health systems such as Allegheny Health Network and UPMC, but also independent pharmacies, community health providers and chains such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. Primary care physicians can also help patients find a vaccine or a booster provider.

It is not necessary to obtain a recall from the same supplier who supplied an individual’s first two doses.

Will the side effects of the booster be worse than the second shot?

Health officials say more data is needed, but so far the side effects of the booster shots do not appear to be more severe than those experienced by recipients after their second dose. The booster is no different from previous doses.

“It’s the exact same vaccine,” Crawford-Faucher said.

For some, the only effect may be arm pain. Others report mild flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and nausea which tend to subside within 24 hours.

Can I mix and match the vaccines?

It is not advised by US health authorities at this point, although research continues on the matter.

The CDC maintains that vaccines should not be mixed.

“So if you have Moderna, get yourself a Moderna booster. If you’ve got Pfizer, find a Pfizer booster, which in Pennsylvania isn’t a problem, ”Crawford-Faucher said.

This recommendation, however, is not “a hard stop,” Crawford-Faucher said.

The CDC recognizes that “if the mRNA vaccine product administered for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either covid-19 mRNA vaccine product may be administered. ”

What if I got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The short answer: Hang in there.

“There is no recommendation for a booster for J&J. We’re sure that happens, we just don’t know exactly when,” she said. “We don’t have the final say on the matter. whether you should be boosted with J&J or if you should be boosted with an mRNA vaccine. ”

Will I need an ID? Do I have to bring my vaccination card?

President Biden has assured the American public that no one will be denied a booster shot for not having ID.

But local health care officials recommend bringing photo ID and proof of vaccination when possible to make the process easier.

Providers will try to work with people who are unable to provide identification or their vaccination cards.

How much will it cost? What if I am not insured?

Like the initial vaccine doses, the covid-19 boosters will be free for everyone, regardless of insurance or lack of it.

“There are no out-of-pocket expenses,” Crawford-Faucher said.

Can I get the flu shot at the same time as a booster?

Yes – and health officials say it might be effective to schedule the two at the same time.

“It’s safe to get vaccinated with a covid vaccine,” Crawford-Faucher said.