As the seasons transition to fall and winter, many people are motivated to make their appointments for flu shots and COVID-19 boosters at their local pharmacy. The newest booster has been reformulated to protect against the Omicron virus and sub-varients. Here are commonly asked questions regarding the booster.

Frequently Asked Questions About the COVID Booster 

Who can get the booster?

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive any form of the COVID vaccine. However, in order to get the booster, you must have already been vaccinated. A booster is a smaller dose and will not provide adequate protection for those who have not been vaccinated previously. For vaccinated adults and kids over 12 for Pfizer/BioNTech and for those over 18 for Moderna, the only other stipulation is that your previous booster or vaccine must have been administered no less than two months prior.

How is this booster different from previous boosters?

Previous boosters had been designed to only target SARS-CoV-2. This booster is a bivalent shot that targets the original strain in previous COVID vaccinations as well as Omicron sub-variants BA.4/BA.5. This upgraded booster increases the chances of neutralizing existing and expected mutations. Subsequent boosters will continue to evolve to provide the highest level of protection. 

Can I get a booster if I just had COVID?

Technically, you can get the booster from your local pharmacy as long as you wait until you are fully recovered from the virus. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests holding off for at least three months. Additionally, for those who contracted COVID and experienced a multi-inflammatory syndrome called MIS-A for adults and MIS-C for children, the CDC encourages patients to wait the full 90 days from their diagnosis before getting a booster.   

What is the expected efficacy?

Experts believe the booster will be able to effectively combat the current strain while providing broad protection for potential strains to come. While this booster was recently cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the CDC, there won't be reliable clinical data on how well the antibodies neutralize new strains of the virus for several months. 

When residents in Cincinnati, OH, require reliable pharmacy services, they turn to Bernens Medical & Pharmacy. Since 1963, this establishment has provided the community with quality medical supplies, prescriptions, care, and equipment. Their knowledgeable staff are happy to walk you through their extensive inventory and professional services to ensure you get exactly what you need. Their top-of-the-line medical devices, diabetic supplies, and ambulatory aids are always priced affordably so every customer is able to improve their quality of life without financial sacrifice. To learn more about their services, visit the website. For questions, call (513) 471-7575.