Five things you should know about the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot

Elderly, immunocompromised urged to consider extra layer of protection

It’s not that the COVID-19 vaccines are not working — data shows they definitely are effective. The booster shots will just add another layer of protection.

The vaccines are preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.

That’s why the Pfizer vaccine booster shots were approved by the CDC last week for certain people and age groups.

Data from a small clinical trial shows that a Pfizer booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series 6 months earlier, according to the CDC. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.

Five things to know about Pfizer booster

1 . So far the boosters are available only to certain people who are six months out from having the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The CDC says that more data on the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots is expected soon. So stay tuned in the coming weeks. If uncertain of what type you had for the first two doses, check your vaccination card.

2

. The CDC recommendations for booster shots come in two categories — those who should receive them and those who may. People aged 65 years and older; residents aged 18 years and older in long-term care settings and people aged 50— 64 years with underlying medical conditions should get the booster. Those who may get the booster are ages 18—49 years with underlying medical conditions; and people aged 18—64 years at increased risk for COVID-19

exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional settings such as healthcare workers or teachers. 3 . Early reports show that side effects are similar to that of the 2-shot primary series. Fatigue and pain at the injection site are the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot primary series, serious

side effects are rare, but may occur. 4 . Vaccine boosters are currently available at local pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreen’s. Check their websites to see if an appointment is needed. The Oakland County Health Division will announce its booster clinic availability on Tuesday. Like the first two doses of the vaccine, the boosters are free. Bring your vaccination card with you to get your shot. Do not bring a copy, bring the actual card. If you did not receive a COVID-19 vaccination card at your first appointment,

contact the vaccination site where you got your first shot or your state health department to find out how you can get a card. For information on locations go to vaccines.gov 5

. Supply is not expected to be an issue with 40 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine available. U.S. authorities are confident they have enough for booster shots and for young children whom initial vaccines are expected to be approved in the next several weeks.