Mega Doctor News
CLEVELAND CLINIC – With more people out and about now that many restrictions have lifted, it’s important to make sure you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine booster.
As Kristin Englund, MD, infectious disease specialist with Cleveland Clinic explains, the vaccine’s efficacy can wane over time, so the booster is necessary to help protect you.
“Really the only way we can keep ourselves from getting COVID is to be vaccinated, so it’s really important for people to get their initial two vaccines and then the third booster,” said Dr. Englund. “That one seems to be the most key in keeping people protected against the omicron variant.”
According to the CDC, everyone ages five years and older should get at least one booster and adults 50 and older should get two. Anyone 12 years and older who is moderately or severely immunocompromised should also get at least two boosters.
Doctor Englund knows some people may be tired of getting vaccinated, but she said it really is your best form of protection. She adds that while COVID case numbers have continued to decline overall for the country, there are still outbreaks being reported.
She recommends if you are nervous about contracting the virus to consider wearing a mask while out in public too. Especially if you’re going into a crowded space or somewhere with strangers.
“We all need to do what you’re comfortable with and know what your home is like. If you are living with somebody who is immunocompromised, or you are compromised yourself, there’s nothing wrong with masking right now,” she said. “I would personally rather be much more careful and cautious while we’re still seeing these rising little pockets of infection.”
The CDC recently authorized the COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as six months old, however it’s unclear when they’ll be eligible for a booster.
