As the omicron danger looms, the US CDC announced on Monday that anyone age 18 and above should obtain a booster injection either 6 months after the original Pfizer or Moderna shots or 2 months following the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The announcement follows the news that US health officials increased the availability for COVID-19 vaccine booster injections to all adult individuals last week. Then it refrained from recommending that all persons aged 18 to 49 get the boosters.
“The recent emergence of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” declared the CDC director Rochelle Walensky
The CDC also advises the 47 million people who have not yet been to get the vaccine to do so. It was also added that kids and teenagers must also get the shot to reduce the risk of severe disease.
Changed recommendations
The CDC formerly said that persons over the age of 50 and those in long-term care institutions should have boosters. Meanwhile, other individuals might choose to have one depending on personal risks. The term “should” now refers to all adult people.
Notwithstanding the minimal facts available, the change in tone indicates increased worry about the Omicron variety. Researchers in many facilities all over the world are investigating. They’ll see if the new version is more infectious and resistant to vaccinations. In roughly two weeks, some findings should be available.
“Early data from South Africa suggest increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant,” Walensky added.
Booster shots
For those ready to take the booster shots, CDC reminds us that the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record should be brought to the booster shot appointment. Side effects are also normal after the shot, and this is in fact the normal reaction of the body.
