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As US Begins COVID-19 Booster Shots, Biden Gets His: Who Is Eligible To Take It?

US President Joe Biden on Monday received his COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on camera at the White House.

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Edited By :Tejas Harad

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, 24 September, approved booster shots for a larger group of Americans, including those who are 65 years and older.

Soon after, US President Joe Biden on Monday received his COVID-19 vaccine booster shot on camera at the White House. "The COVID-19 booster shots will provide even more protection from COVID-19 for those who are at greater risk," he tweeted.

As states have already began rolling out the third dose of vaccines, there is a viable confusion among general public on who can receive the boosters and who cannot. Here is a quick explainer.

Which vaccine has been approved for booster shot?

  • CDC-recommended booster shots are only available for people who have received both the doses of Pfizer-BioNtech.

  • The person should have completed at least six months after receiving their second dose.

Who is eligible?

The following groups should receive a booster shot:

  • People above 65 years of age

  • Residents above 18 years of age in long-term care settings

  • People aged 50-64 years with underlying health issues

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Can essential workers or healthcare workers get the booster?

Yes, CDC and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends people working in occupations with increased risk of COVID-19 to get the booster shot. However, they are advised to consider individual risks and benefits. The list of such occupations includes:

  • Frontline workers – healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff

  • Educational staff

  • Food and agriculture workers

  • Manufacturing workers

  • US postal service workers

  • Public transit workers

  • Grocery store workers

What should people who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson's COVID-19 vaccines do?

More data on the safety and effectiveness of both the vaccines is expected soon.

Once that data is in hand, CDC will inform the public with a "timely plan" for Moderna and J&J booster shots. Watch out this space for more information.

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Are there any risks to getting a booster shot?

  • So far, reactions reported after receiving the Pfizer BioNtech booster shot were similar to that of 2-shot primary series, that is, first and second dose of vaccines

  • Pain at the site of injection and weakness were the most commonly reported side effects

  • Most side effects ranged from mild to moderate

  • Similar to 2-shot primary series, serious side effects are rare, but are possible to occur

What documents should I take before going to get the booster shot?

You should keep the following documents:

  • Bring your vaccination card to your appointment

  • Keep the vaccination card of your booster shot as a record

If you have lost the card, contact your vaccination provider directly.

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Published: 
Edited By :Tejas Harad
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