2nd booster not necessary for everyone Vermont health commissioner says

As one other COVID-19 variant causes circumstances to rise in Vermont, Vermonters have been questioning whether or not they need to get a second booster vaccine now out there to guard in opposition to the virus. 

The reply? It relies upon, based on Vermont Well being Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. 

For most individuals, the primary booster — the so-called third dose of the vaccine — has supplied ample safety in opposition to the worst outcomes of the virus, together with hospitalization and demise, Levine mentioned throughout a information convention April 12. He reiterated the necessity for at the very least one booster for the most effective safety in opposition to the virus throughout a subsequent information convention on April 19. 

“In lots of circumstances, vaccination can and can imply the distinction between being sick and being hospitalized,” Levine mentioned on April 19. 

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Who ought to get a 2nd booster — or 4th vaccine dose — in opposition to COVID-19?

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention and the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration are permitting people who find themselves age 50 and older or who’re immunocompromised and age 12 and older to get the second booster.

“The distinction with the wording across the second booster is you could get it, however not everybody ought to get it,” Levine mentioned on April 12. 

Levine mentioned he felt the second booster can be most helpful to the next individuals: 

• Individuals age 65 and older. 
• People who find themselves aged 50 to 65 who’ve underlying medical circumstances that put them at greater threat in the event that they catch COVID-19. 
• Individuals beneath age 50 who’re immunocompromised. 

“People who find themselves eligible can select whether or not to obtain this dose based mostly on their very own private dangers, a member of the family who’s at greater threat, or their very own consolation degree,” Levine mentioned, “The second booster is protected, and we assist Vermonters’ choices in whether or not getting this dose is smart for them presently.” 

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Nonetheless uncertain whether or not a second booster is important?

Levine mentioned people who find themselves unsure about their threat or whether or not they want a second booster ought to communicate to their well being care supplier. 

Vermonters can get their second dose by way of their supplier, by way of a pharmacy, or anyplace they get different vaccines, based on the Vermont Well being Division’s web site. 

Extra details about the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters is out there at healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 802-310-8585 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Observe her on Twitter at @LizMurrayBFP.