Are you considering a COVID vaccine booster? Here are some answers on what to expect with that 3rd dose – CBS Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The CDC says anyone over the age of 18 is now eligible for a COVID-19 recall.

More than 2.2 million people in Florida have received their extra blow. That’s less than a quarter of people who are fully vaccinated.

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Maryann Venancio opts for another dose of COVID-19 protection.

“I have chronic Lyme disease and I see an infectious disease doctor, and he told me that I would be a very good candidate for a booster,” Venancio said.

Health officials say COVID-19 vaccines do a good job of preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death, even against the delta variant. Still, the decrease in immunity is a concern.

“Boosting gives you that stronger immune response from your original vaccine, and it also helps you fight delta better,” said Dr. Melanie Swift.

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Dr Swift, who is part of the Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 vaccine program, says people receiving a booster can expect side effects like a sore arm.

“Fatigue, general muscle weakness and headaches are more common among young people. The older you are, the less likely you are to have these side effects. It’s very similar for the boosters to the pattern seen in the second dose of mRNA vaccines, ”said Dr Swift.

After your shot, stay home and take it easy. To relieve symptoms, you can drink plenty of fluids and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Dr Swift adds that not having a reaction doesn’t mean your injection didn’t work.

“The side effects we get are due to this robust immune response, but our immune response is probably more robust than it needs to be to protect us. And not everyone experiences these symptoms the same way, ”said Dr. Swift.

She says more importantly, if you haven’t received your first injection of the COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time.

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Israeli research on the elderly shows that the rates of COVID-19 and severe illness were much lower in people who received a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.