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What are the COVID-19 booster doses?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I read in the news that coronavirus is again spreading in China, India, and a few other South Asian countries. Although I am vaccinated, I am scared to get the infection. Can you please tell me if there are any booster doses that I should be getting regularly to prevent the infection? Will there be any side effects if I get frequent booster doses?

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

The COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use by regulatory agencies like the FDA (The United States Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (The European Medicines Agency) are highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization from COVID-19. However, it is important to remember that no vaccine is 100 percent effective, and breakthrough infections may still occur in some vaccinated individuals.

At this time, there is no official recommendation for routine booster doses beyond the initial two-dose series for the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or a one-dose series for the viral vector vaccine. However, some countries are considering booster doses for certain populations due to waning immunity over time or concerns about new variants. If you have any underlying medical conditions or are at an increased risk for severe COVID-19, you should consult with your healthcare provider about the need for a booster dose.

Regardless of your vaccination status, there are several steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

1. Wear a mask in public settings or when around others who are not fully vaccinated.

2. Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others.

3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.

7. Stay home and isolate yourself if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Hope it helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At May 24, 2024
Reviewed AtMay 24, 2024

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