Have you signed up for your Covid vaccine booster?
According to the CDC, the current guidelines are only recommended for those who had the original Pfizer series (stay tuned, Moderna, and J&J should be coming out soon). There has been so much misinformation about who is eligible now and what the rules are, I thought it would be helpful to break it down. There are three groups of people that are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine at this time. Eligibility depends on your age, living and working environment, and underlying health conditions.
First, you are eligible if you are 65 years of age and older. Secondly, you are also eligible if you are immune-compromised, have underlying medical conditions, and are over 18; these conditions include cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, asthma, chronic lung or kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, liver disease, Down syndrome, among others.
Finally, the booster is also recommended if you are 18 years or older, live in a long-term care setting, or work in close contact with other people. High-risk working conditions include health care workers, teachers, daycare staff, grocery workers, nursing home residents, homeless shelters and those in prisons.
If in doubt, ask your health care provider. There are many factors to consider and your health care provider can help you decide if you should get the vaccine booster. The booster shot can be given six months or more after your second shot.
Be aware that if you had side effects, such as a fever, or body aches with your second shot, there is a good chance you may get it again. If you can, plan to get the vaccine when you have a day to rest, such as a Saturday and rest the weekend. Don’t go on a Monday or before a hectic workweek.
It would be best if you did not take Ibuprofen right before the shot, the pundits are still out, but the thought is that this will interfere with your body being able to build up your immunity. You can take it a few hours afterward, but most importantly, HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE!
And, as your body reacts to the vaccine, it can cause swelling, particularly lymph nodes. Don’t schedule your mammogram until 4-6 weeks after your shot (original series or booster), as you may have a false reading.
Remember, even if the side effects are “rough,” it is MUCH better than ever getting Covid.
#patientadvocate #youareyourbesthealthcareally #educateyourself #youknowyourbodymoreanyoneelse