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COVID Vaccine Booster Dose: Eligibility Criteria, Side Effects & More

After battling the Covid-19 virus and its variants for a long time, the world is recovering gradually. Therefore, all the countries came together to promote vaccination for this severe viral disease. However, WHO SAGE recommended additional vaccine doses after one gets the original shots. Researchers have stated these booster doses can restore the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine.

People believe whosoever has taken two dosages of the Covid-19 vaccine can get a booster dose. However, it is not as simple as it seems. Keep scrolling to know more about your eligibility for a booster dose.

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What Is the Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Dose?

As per WHO, the booster dose is an additional medication given to those who have completed the first two Covid-19 vaccinations. Experts have stated over time the impact of the Covid-19 vaccine weakens, impacting its effect. Thus, a supporting medicine is essential to revitalise the effects of those vaccine series.

What Is the Importance of the Booster Dose?

Healthcare experts have stated that an individual has the necessary protection after two primary Covid-19 vaccines. Nevertheless, a booster dose helps to ensure that the impact created by those shots stays for a longer period.

Experts’ stress that those who complete the vaccination set and get the booster dose has better chances of tackling the deadly virus and almost no chances of being severely ill.

However, it has been observed that people who have the eligibility to get a booster shot refuse to get the vaccine. This is because of two reasons. First, a group of people believes they do not require the booster since they are already vaccinated. Another group thinks their bodies have the antibodies because they have been infected by the coronavirus previously. Hence, there is no need for another shot.

What Is the Booster Dose Eligibility Criteria?

Booster shots are now easily available to everyone above five years of age. However, not everyone can get it immediately.

Here is a list of people who have the eligibility for getting booster shots.

Kids between 5 to 11 years: Children in this age group can get a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after five months since their primary vaccine series.
Teenagers between 12 to 17 years: Young kids of this age also have the Pfizer vaccine eligibility of booster, but only after five months of the initial vaccine shots. Those who are immunocompromised can get a second booster shot only after four months of the first one.
Young Adults of 18+ years and above: Everyone in this age group can get a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Individuals above 50 years of age and/or with poor immunity are eligible for a second booster shot after the first one.
Immunocompromised People from 5 years and above: It is highly recommended to those who have been seriously immunocompromised for a long time. Individuals with a weaker immune system and above 12 years can also get their second booster dose.

Who Should Not Take It?

Although it is essential for people to get booster doses, not everyone meets the criteria of booster dose eligibility.

People who have severe allergic reactions to any of the elements of the vaccine.
Those who have been suspected of Covid-19 symptoms. They should wait and complete their mandatory isolation and recover after consultation with their physician.
If anyone has a fever over 38.5ºC on the day of vaccination, they must postpone their appointment.

Are there any Side Effects of the Booster Dose?

The side effects after the booster shot can vary from one person to another. While some experience discomfort, others do not feel a thing. These effects are temporary and can disappear in a few days. However, if you experience adverse effects, which are rare, you should immediately contact your doctor.

Here is a list of common side effects after the booster dose.

5-17 Years

Pain, swelling, and redness in the injection spot
Headache
Tiredness
Chills
Joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle pain

18 Years and above

Redness, swelling and pain in the shot area
Headache
Tiredness
Muscle pain
Chills
Fever
Nausea

What Are the Ways of Getting Relief from These Side Effects?

Following are some helpful tips to relieve these conditions.

Apply a cool or wet washcloth at the site of pain. Make sure it is clean
Get some rest after you get the shot
Do not keep your arms inactive; it is recommended to keep them moving
Avoid uncomfortable clothes
Drink fluids
It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicine to prevent any severe reaction
If kids have those signs, ask your doctor before providing any medication to them

What Is the Cost of the Booster Dose?

The price for this booster dose is much lower than the initial vaccine series. It has been announced in India anyone with eligibility for booster dose can avail of free booster shots at any Government hospital. Nevertheless, those getting shots from private hospitals must pay around ₹ 400.

Is Any ID Proof or Any Document Required to Get a Booster Dose?

During the first two shots, people had to register through CoWin to book slots for vaccination and needed identity proof. Nonetheless, since the registration was previously done at that time, no additional identity proof is now required to get a booster dose.

You can carry your CDC vaccine card so that your booster dose can get included. However, this is not mandatory.

As you have read till now, we hope to provide you with every necessary detail regarding eligibility for a booster dose. So, to conclude, this additional course of vaccination is necessary to create a long-lasting effect on the erstwhile taken vaccination. After you get a booster shot, it is common to experience certain side effects. However, there is nothing to worry about because these are temporary and mild.

FAQs About Covid Vaccine Booster Dose

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What must one consider before getting a booster shot?

Before getting a booster dose, one must communicate with their healthcare provider. This is because there are certain factors on which the booster dosage depends. It includes one's age, which vaccine series was received, and whether one has a compromised immune system.

How will one know if they are eligible for a booster dose?

Vaccinated individuals receive a message on their registered mobile number regarding the period of the gap they need to follow before getting a booster dose. The eligibility for booster dose depends on when they have taken the second Covid-19 vaccine.