The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, recommends and urges everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.  

What is the COVID-19 booster shot and what does it do? 

COVID-19 has become an unsolved mystery since 2020. Worldwide, we have been affected with variants that are highly contagious and spread very quickly. Therefore, the COVID-19 booster shot will not only protect you but this booster shot will help to weaken the chances of this disease spreading worldwide.  

This booster shot is an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This extra dose is needed to boost your immunity giving you better protection against the disease. No, it does not exclude you from contracting COVID-19, but it can help to weaken the severity if contracted. Just like many other vaccines, booster shots, which at times can be more than one, aid to shield your immune system from diseases aiming to attack and destroy the body.  

Who Can Receive the Booster Shot?  

The CDC says that individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should highly consider the booster shot. People who may fall under this category are listed below.  

• HIV positive
• Moderate or severe immunodeficiency 
• Stem cell treatment within the last two years 
• Taking medication to suppress the immune system  
• Receiving active cancer treatment 
• Received an organ transplant  

Before making any rash decisions, please talk with your healthcare provider to decide if the booster shot is right for you.  

Even if you do not fall into one of these categories, the CDC strongly advises you to get the booster if you are 12 years or older.  

When Should You Get the Booster Shot?  

Depending on the vaccine you received, the CDC provided insight on when you would be eligible for the booster. If you received the Moderna or the Pfizer-BioNTech, the CDC says that you can receive the booster shot five months after receiving the first two doses of the vaccine. If you received the Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen, the CDC recommends the booster at least two months after receiving this vaccine.   

Where Can You Get the COVID-19 Booster Shot? 

Before scheduling your booster shot, ensure that you first have the primary two shots. Once this is complete and within the recommended time period, there are several vaccine providers administering the booster. The most common providers are your local pharmacies, health departments, and drug stores. You can be boosted by simply calling and making an appointment.

WHO: Anyone 12 years and older after your primary two shots  

WHERE: Check your local pharmacies, health departments, and drug stores  

WHEN: Two to five months after depending on the vaccine  

WHY: To protect and increase your immune system

Written by Domonique Whitehurst