NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – It is about to be the third Fall since COVID started, and consultants know the drill: when the temperatures cool, circumstances rise. However the season will deliver a brand new cocktail: a booster that may shield from each the unique virus and the 2 Omicron subvariants.
“The vaccine that is been accessible up till now could be solely aimed on the authentic pressure,” mentioned retired infectious illness doctor Dr. Charles J. Lerner. “So one would assume that that is going to be far more efficient towards the strains which can be at present circulating.”
Dr. Lerner, who’s a member of the Texas Medical Affiliation COVID-19 Job Power, mentioned everybody who’s prone to getting COVID ought to get the brand new booster. And he mentioned an excellent rule of thumb is three months since your final booster or COVID an infection.
“An episode of COVID briefly boosts your immunity. And should you’ve gotten a vaccine inside three months, you’ve got acquired a fairly good safety for a brief time period,” he mentioned.
And he mentioned there is not any have to house out the booster and your flu shot.
“Take them on the identical day on the similar time.”
Pfizer’s booster could be accessible for anybody age 12 and up, and Moderna’s for age 18 and up. The hope is to have them accessible shortly after Labor Day.
Each firms have requested the FDA for emergency use authorization. Dr. Lerner mentioned we cannot know the efficacy of the boosters till they’re broadly distributed. However, should you’re weighing it, he steered asking your self a query.
“How a lot danger do you need to take? Are you comfy with taking that danger? Not just for your self however folks round you?”