If you've already received your primary dose of the vaccine, you're probably wondering why you need another shot. We get it, trust us. But here's the thing: the virus is still out there and new variants are continually emerging. A bivalent vaccine booster dose can help ensure that you continue to be protected against the disease.
These updated COVID-19 vaccine booster doses provide improved protection against the omicron variant, which is the most common variant of COVID-19. The primary series of vaccines only provides protection against omicron for a few months as your immunity naturally decreases over time, but the new omicron boosters provide better protection for longer against the newer variants of COVID-19.
So, whether you're feeling a bit skeptical or just want to know more about the booster shot, keep reading. We'll discuss the importance of the COVID booster vaccine, the role it plays in the ongoing fight against the virus, and the latest updates on its availability. Trust us, it's worth your time.
Benefits of the COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
First of all, let's talk about the main benefit of the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine: better protection against the virus. We know that you probably already received your primary dose of the vaccine, but as time goes on, the virus continues to evolve and new variants emerge. An updated omicron booster shot can help boost your immunity and protect you against these new variants.
Your immunity to certain diseases naturally decreases over time. This can be caused by many reasons. Antibodies that intercept and neutralize viruses that you have been exposed to in the past can wane over time, or viruses can change enough that your immune “memory” isn’t triggered right away. A booster will refamiliarize your immune system with the virus and put it on high alert against the current circulating stains.
Another benefit of the COVID-19 booster vaccine is that it can reduce your risk of severe illness. We all know that getting sick with Covid-19 can range from mild to severe, and sometimes even life-threatening. By getting the booster shot, you're not only protecting yourself, but you're also reducing the risk of ending up in the hospital or worse. It's kind of like buying insurance for your health - you hope you never have to use it, but it's there just in case.
Finally, getting the COVID-19 booster vaccine can help protect those around you. By getting vaccinated, you're not only protecting yourself, but also helping to protect your loved ones and the most vulnerable members of your community. It's a small step that we can all take to make a big difference.
Who should get the booster vaccine
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the bivalent booster shot, but there are several groups of people that it is very important to stay up to date on their COVID-19 shots.
People older than 65 should consider getting the COVID-19 booster dose as they are at a higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. The booster shot can help to protect them against the virus, and increase their immunity to it.
Immunocompromised patients should also consider getting the omicron booster shot. These individuals have a weakened immune system which makes them more susceptible to severe illness or death from COVID-19. The booster shot can help to protect them by increasing their immunity to the virus. Additionally, getting the booster shot can help to protect them from the new variants that have emerged.
Children are also a group that should stay up to date on their COVID-19 booster shot. Although children have a lower risk of severe illness from COVID-19, they can still become infected and spread the virus to others. As anyone with a child knows, they are constantly exposed and bringing home illness that can spread to more vulnerable family members. It's important for parents to consider the COVID-19 booster shot as a part of their overall health plan, just like their schedule vaccinations and the flu shot.
How to get the vaccine
Getting the updated COVID-19 booster is super easy. It is available at many locations around Lyon County. Or you can schedule your booster dose at CareArc now.
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