Fast Facts for August 18, 2021
The federal government now says — booster shots will be available for those who are already fully vaccinated against Covid19.
But– you can’t run out today and get one…there’s a process.
First, understand that the surgeon general said if you’re currently fully vaccinated you are still protected against severe cases of Covid19 and death. However, because of the nature of the delta variant and the anticipation of future variants that could be coming in the future — studies show that immunity starts to wane among only mild and moderate cases. Being vaccinated is certainly still better than having no vaccination at all.
The second thing you need to understand is — none of these boosters will be given until the FDA and the CDC first amend the emergency use authorization for both Pfizer and Moderna’s covid19 vaccine. The CDC is still studying whether boosters will be required for those of you who got the Johnson and Johnson one-dose vaccine. They say it’s likely a booster will be given — but since J & J’s vaccine administration started later than the other two — the efficacy data is still being studied.
So — when can you get this booster?
As I described in this video — those who fall into the very specific immunocompromised category can go now.
But for everyone else — you’ll most likely be able to start getting the booster after September 20th. but you shouldn’t just run out on that day and get one. The surgeon general says you should wait eight months after your final dose. so, if your last shot was on February first, you should get your booster around October first.
