Coronavirus and flu season is coming sooner than you think. Staying up to date on vaccines is the best way to protect yourself in the coming months. It goes without saying that this year’s coronavirus vaccine is a little different than previous versions, and there are three different options for getting vaccinated this year (more on this later). So, it’s safe to say that you have a few questions before you make your appointment, such as “What are the side effects of the COVID-19 booster?”
Meet the experts: Amesh A. Adalja, MD, senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. David Cennimo, MD, infectious disease specialist and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Richard Watkins, MD, is an infectious disease physician and professor of medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University.
To help you stay informed before receiving your annual jab, we’ve sent our experts to answer all your burning questions. Here’s what you need to know about the new vaccine and potential side effects to keep in mind.
What is the latest COVID-19 booster?
There are three different COVID vaccines to choose from this season. There are two mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and a protein-based vaccine from Novavax. These vaccines replace previously available COVID-19 vaccines and target strains more relevant to this year’s virus season.
David Cennimo, M.D., an infectious disease expert and associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said the latest coronavirus vaccines should better reflect the currently circulating SARS CoV-2 virus strain. It says it has been updated. “Moderna and Pfizer have updated their mRNA vaccines to target the KP.2 variant, while Novavax is a protein-based vaccine and targets the JN.1 variant.” This difference is due to timing and manufacturing. It is a process and does not reflect any particular strategy for predicting the future of the pandemic. Looking at current data on variants circulating in the United States, Dr. Cennimo notes that the KP.3.1.1 variant leads with 58%. “This is closely related to KP.2 and JN.1, so all available vaccines should work well,” he explains.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is constantly changing, and the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines may decline over time. Masu. The 2024-2025 updated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine will restore and strengthen protection against the virus variants currently causing most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. I can. That said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not only increase your chances of suffering long-term effects of COVID-19, but also the risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19. They also point out that it reduces the chance of dying from the virus.
Who should get the latest COVID-19 booster?
Dr. Richard Watkins, an infectious disease physician and professor of medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University, advises that everyone six months of age and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. “This includes people who have previously received the COVID-19 vaccine and those who have had COVID-19 infection in the past,” he points out. The vaccine is also strongly recommended for pregnant women, as COVID-19 infections can be more severe during pregnancy and antibodies may help protect the infant after birth, Cennimo said. The doctor points out.
Dr. Cenimo says most definitely anyone at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection should get vaccinated. While everyone is eligible to receive a vaccine in the U.S., people at high risk for severe disease (including pregnant women) should wait at least three months since their last coronavirus infection to receive the latest vaccine. Amesh A. Adalja added. , MD, senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
When is the best time to get a new COVID-19 booster?
Dr. Watkins says for most people, the best time to get the coronavirus vaccine is now. However, Dr. Watkins added that there is an exception: people who have recently had a COVID-19 infection may have their COVID-19 vaccine delayed by three months. This is because “the risk of contracting COVID-19 is lower in the weeks and months following SARS-CoV-2 infection.”
Dr. Cennimo agrees that vaccines are available now and can be administered quickly. “If vaccination is delayed, there is a risk of not receiving the vaccine fully or of becoming infected with the coronavirus in the meantime.”
For your convenience, you can also get your flu shot at the same time as getting the latest coronavirus vaccine. “There is good data that the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine can be given together without compromising safety and efficacy,” Dr. Cennimo said.
Potential side effects of new COVID-19 boosters
The most important thing to know is that the coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, Dr. Watkins says. That being said, side effects from the coronavirus vaccine are rare and usually subside within a day or two, Dr. Cennimo says.
According to Dr. Watkins, the most common side effects are:
Pain at the injection site, redness, swelling, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, nausea
Serious side effects are even rarer, Dr. Cennimo said. “However, if anyone is experiencing signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, they should seek immediate help.” People who have had a severe reaction to a previous vaccine should be advised before receiving a booster shot. You should talk to your health care provider, Dr. Cennimo advises.
How to reduce booster side effects
If you feel discomfort after the jab and are looking for relief, Dr Adalja recommends taking liberal doses of acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to minimize side effects.
Dr. Watkins added that using a warm compress at the injection site can also help ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
When should you talk to your doctor about coronavirus booster side effects?
If you have severe symptoms or mild symptoms that last more than a few days, you should see your doctor, Dr. Watkins advises. Dr. Adalja agrees, saying that if side effects persist for more than two days, or if they interfere with your daily life, you should see a doctor to rule out serious concerns.
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