COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines now and State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch said a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine to provide additional protection.
“And help strengthen that protection against severe disease in populations at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or complications from severe illness,” said Welch.
The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk.
If you had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, Welch says the booster shot is highly recommended for you, regardless of age or preexisting health conditions.
“Everyone who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine is recommended for a booster shot at least two months after the first shot,” said Welch.
While the vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing severe disease, death, and hospitalizations, Welch said their efficacy does wane after time, so boosters are recommended. Now the CDC allows you to mix and match doses for example if you first had the Pfizer vaccine you can receive a Moderna booster. But Welch said if you are confused about the vaccines or booster shots…
“Talk to their medical provider, their primary care provider, you can also talk to a pharmacist in Louisiana they are well trained on COVID vaccines. And you can also call our clinical hotline,” said Welch.
For more information, you can call the Louisiana COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.
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