Last week, the CDC released a statement saying that those between the ages of 12 and 15 are now eligible and should receive their booster shot. 

According to the statement issued by the CDC, “Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.” 

The CDC also mentions, “Data from clinical trials showed that a booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series six months earlier or who received a J&J/Janssen single-dose vaccine 2 months earlier.”

What are the common side effects of getting a booster shot?

According to the CDC, side effects vary. Some common side effects are, “…pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.” In all the injuries mostly only last anywhere from a few hours to a day and are moderate for most individuals. 

What are some general things people should know about getting their booster? 

If you got the original Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are eligible and should get Pfizer’s BioNTech vaccine. If you are over 17 you are also eligible for Modernas mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. 

When should I get it? I already got my first two shots. 

If you received the Pfizer- BioNTech Vaccine and are between the ages of 12 and 17, you should get the booster after about five months of completing your initial vaccine. 

If you received the  Moderna vaccine and are 18+, you should get the booster after about 5 months of completing your initial vaccine. 

If you received the Johnson and Johnson and are 18+, you should get the booster after two months of completing your Johnson and Johnson vaccination. 

The CDC issuing new ages for the booster allows more people to get vaccinated against Omicron and COVID-19. The CDC claims, “The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.”