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According to recent studies, it takes about 14 days after receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccine for your immune system to offer protection from the virus
According to recent studies, it takes about 14 days after receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccine for your immune system to offer protection from the virus, although some antibodies may be seen after 7 days.
What is the COVID-19 booster?
The COVID-19 booster shot is an additional dose of the primary vaccine series that is administered to a fully vaccinated person.
The booster is intended to help people maintain their immunity for longer, prevent serious complications, and reduce the risk of hospitalization. The CDC recommends getting a booster dose with an mRNA vaccine for the best immune response, irrespective of the primary vaccine series.
When should I get the COVID-19 booster vaccine?
If you have received 2 doses of an mRNA vaccine (Moderna and Pfizer) or a single dose of nonreplicating viral vector (Johnson and Johnson), you are considered fully vaccinated. You should receive your booster dose:
- 5 months after the primary vaccine series with an mRNA vaccine
- 2 months after the vector vaccine
If you recently had COVID-19, you can receive your booster dose once your symptoms have cleared up. If you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma as treatment, you need to wait for about 90 days before getting the booster shot. You can consult your doctor regarding recommended booster dose timing.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccine?
According to the CDC, recommendations for getting a booster dose if you are fully vaccinated are as follows:
- Primary immunization with 2 doses of Pfizer
- All individuals ages 12 and older are eligible for a booster dose
- Teenagers between ages 12-17 should only be administered the Pfizer mRNA vaccine for their booster shot
- Booster should be given 5 months following the initial dose
- Primary immunization with 2 doses of Moderna
- Adults ages 18 and older are eligible for a booster dose
- Booster should be given 5 months following the initial dose
- Primary immunization with a single dose of Johnson and Johnson
- Adults ages 18 and older are eligible for a booster dose
- Booster should be given 2 months following the initial dose
- While mRNA vaccines are preferred for a booster dose following Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccination, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine may be administered as a booster if there is a shortage of mRNA vaccines or if the mRNA vaccine caused a severe allergic reaction
- Immunocompromised: Individuals ages 5 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose 28 days after their second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine shot. Immunocompromised conditions include:
- Undergoing treatment for a solid tumor or blood cancer
- Has had a solid-organ transplant and is on immunosuppressive drugs
- Received a stem cell transplant in the last 2 years
- Currently being treated with immunosuppressive medications, such as high-dose corticosteroids.
- Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiencies, such as the DiGeorge or Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes
- Suffering from advanced or untreated HIV infection
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 booster?
Side effects following a booster dose are similar to those of the primary series and may include:
- Pain and redness at the injection site
- Tenderness, swelling, and pain in the lymph nodes of the arm used for injection
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
