What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Booster Shots

December 28, 2021

Studies are in: Boosters dramatically increase protection against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Federal health experts strongly recommend that Americans get both the vaccine and a booster to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection.

“A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75 percent,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on December 28, 2021. “COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.”

While scientists continue to study the Omicron variant, preliminary findings suggest it is more contagious, but may cause less serious cases. The problem is that, since it is more contagious, the overall number of cases may be large. And even a smaller percentage of serious cases could continue to flood hospitals nationwide.

It’s important to get the story about the additional vaccines.

What is a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

The booster shot is an extra dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the initial dose or doses has begun to decrease. Data show that COVID-19 vaccines may lose some of their effectiveness over time. Studies show the booster provides significant additional immunity.

Who should get a booster?

The CDC recommends booster shots for people 16 years and older. It also recommends that people who are at least 18 years old who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine get a booster shot. To see the latest booster recommendations from the CDC, click here.

When should I get an additional dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

The CDC and the FDA recommend an additional dose six months after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months after the first dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.

Is Grady offering the vaccine booster?

Grady has booster/additional dose appointments. To schedule an appointment, call us at (404) 616-2900.

In addition, you may be able to get a booster shot at your doctor’s office, retail pharmacies, or other sites. Some locations may offer walk-up vaccination times.

Should an additional COVID shot be the same brand of vaccine I got originally?

The FDA said that it’s safe for individuals to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster or additional dose that is a different brand than the initial dose or doses.