Federal well being officers cleared the best way Friday for all adults 18 and over already vaccinated for COVID-19 to get booster shots to defend in opposition to the virus.
The determination is an growth of a beforehand introduced restricted eligibility for the boosters. State officers urged all vaccinated grownup residents to contact their well being care suppliers or go to www.vaccines.gov to schedule a booster shot.
While the boosters are believed to be extremely potent in stopping an infection, no vaccine is 100% efficient and susceptible populations of individuals, such because the aged and sick, are most in danger.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who is newly eligible for these shots?
Any people 18 or over who accomplished their first sequence of Pfizer or Moderna shots no less than six months earlier. Officials beforehand decided those that obtained a Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine can obtain a booster two months later. The overwhelming majority of individuals vaccinated within the U.S. have obtained both Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The authorities earlier stated these 65 and over or these with well being circumstances ought to get booster shots. On Friday, well being officers particularly urged these 50 and older to get a booster.
How do I get a booster shot?
The shots may be administered by medical doctors, hospitals, well being clinics, pharmacies and at different devoted websites. Vaccine boosters may be scheduled the identical method first doses had been booked; go to suntimes.com/vaccine for extra data. City residents can study extra about vaccines at chi.gov/covidvax.
Are the shots free?
Like the preliminary doses of COVID-19, the shots are available without charge. In Chicago, the vaccine is available to eligible residents and there are no necessities to present proof of insurance coverage protection or immigration standing.
Do I need to show that I used to be beforehand vaccinated to get a booster?
In Chicago, residents can self report that they received their preliminary vaccinations and may get a booster wherever that one is available. However, some medical doctors might ask to deliver your earlier vaccination card if doable.
Can I get a distinct vaccine than I received beforehand or do I need to stick with the identical model?
Federal well being officers decided that folks can combine and match their vaccines. Most individuals obtained both Pfizer or Moderna for his or her preliminary doses and people can nonetheless select to stick with a shot from the identical vaccine maker.
Am I protected against COVID-19 if I don’t get a booster shot?
Federal well being officers say that vaccine safety might weaken over time, particularly for seniors and people with well being circumstances. However, the unique doses of vaccines proceed to be very efficient in stopping deaths or hospitalizations, officers say.
Do I need a booster shot to be thought of totally vaccinated?
As of now, individuals are thought of totally vaccinated in the event that they obtained their preliminary shots no matter whether or not they obtained a booster.
Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine on the identical time?
Flu shots and any COVID vaccines can safely be given collectively.
Do I nonetheless need to put on a masks indoors if I obtain a booster?
The state of Illinois, the town of Chicago and different municipalities nonetheless have a masks mandate in place for indoor settings no matter vaccination standing. A federal requirement mandates that masks have to be worn on all public transit and different modes of transportation, together with airplanes, taxis and rideshare providers.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the atmosphere and public well being is made doable by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.