Everything you need to know about Covid-19 booster shots?
Since 2019, the coronavirus pandemic has devastatingly hit the world. Several countries collapsed under the clutches of this pandemic so that the number of deaths skyrocketed every day. After almost a year, when the world somehow managed to alleviate the condition, healthcare professionals declared the impending onslaught of the second wave. In the wake of it, governments introduced vaccinations for the Covid-19 virus. Even though vaccine names and composition differed from one country to the other, their main purpose was to ensure that the severity of the infection could be reduced.
Even after both vaccination doses, healthcare professionals still feared the ineffectiveness of the vaccines for the entire year. The fear became stronger when Omicron emerged as a new strain, with far more transmissibility than previous strains. This fueled the research on a booster dose that will act as a protective barrier for the immunity system. However, most people are still unaware of the booster dose and its importance. Besides, they aren't even aware of the dos and don'ts.
The following article will speak about some of the most important things that you must know about the Covid 19 booster dose.
What is the Covid booster dose, and when is it given?
A Covid booster dose is an additional form of the protective dose administered after five to nine months from the second dose. Its main purpose is to ensure that the immune system is strong enough to fight against the virus if somehow a person becomes infected again. Despite being similar to the first two primary doses, several tweaks and changes have been made in its chemical formula. It will act as a catalyst and ensure that the immune system is further strengthened to ensure that one shouldn’t suffer from the severe consequences of the infection.
Is the booster dose the same as that of the third dose?
Many people believe that the booster dose for Covid 19 is the same as that of the third dose. However, that is not the truth because the third dose is nothing but an additional vaccine based on a person's preliminary shots. It does not act as an immunity booster, and thus its effectiveness soon starts to falter. Instead, it is a protective dose administered to ensure that your immunity has the strength to fight against the infection and keep you safe.
Even though you will get two vaccines initially, they won't show the same performance over time. As a result, you will be at risk of getting a severe infection, so you must get the booster shots at the earliest once you achieve the timeline.
Who is eligible for taking the Covid third dose?
If we compare all the eligibility criteria, they will vary from one country to another due to the differences in vaccines and their composition. However, certain facts are common for everyone, regardless of which vaccine they have taken.
You will qualify for the booster Covid dose only after completing the first two doses.
No country administers the booster dose three months from the time of the second vaccination.
If you are sick or have recently got infected with the virus, you won't be allowed to take the vaccination.
You need to be at least 18 years or above to qualify for this booster dose.
Can the booster dose prevent Covid infection?
No, the booster dose cannot prevent the Covid infection. It will make your immunity stronger to fight against the virus and reduce the severity of the infection.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything regarding the Covid booster dose, your main aim will be to schedule the date for vaccination. But before that, ensure you meet all the prerequisites. Please do not skip the third dose, thinking it is only for older people. so if you want you can also visit Medipulse hospital or can consult with our Doctors to get the best and most updated information regarding Covid-19.