This week, the Food and Drug administration expanded booster availability making teens 16 and older eligible.
More, this expands on the existing rollout of booster shots. In fact, according to the FDA website: On Nov. 19, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for administration to all individuals 18 years of age and older after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting vaccinated is key. And COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccines are safe. And they are effective. More, even though there are reported “breakthrough cases”, they substantially reduce symptoms. And booster shots are now available, also. Moreover, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus. More, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your second dose.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
More, they protect others, also. Additionally, it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. In fact, you can have it and not know it.
Please get vaccinated. And encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote several articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time.
So even if you had it, you can get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.