A booster dose is an additional dose given after two doses of primary administration of the doses. After primary immunization booster dose gives our immune system adds strength and extra antibodies. These new antibodies restore the antibody level to the protective level.
In India, precaution dose is the commonly used term and the extra dose is referred to as a booster dose across the world. The main purpose of a booster shot is to extend the protection of the COVID-19 vaccine and increase the body’s immune response.
It can only increase immune response. So, this does not guarantee that you will not get infected; you should have improved protection against COVID-19. Even against the delta variant, these vaccines are working to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.
Women who are pregnant can receive any of the currently FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose if they’ve already received their primary vaccine series.
If you are taken both doses of COVID vaccine, you are still very well protected from getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Even if you’ve had COVID-19, you can take the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as a booster shot or third dose if you’re eligible.
The most important thing is to remember that people are more protected after being fully vaccinated than just having COVID-19.
World health organization (WHO) has declared Omicron as a variant of concern that can invade the body’s defence shield.
Thus, a precautionary dose is needed to boost the immune system from getting an infection. As immunity gained either from past vaccination or infection also diminishes with time. Precaution-dose can fight against new mutations and immunity. It can also reduce the chances of the virus transmitting from one person to other.
So, we have effectively fought the second wave of COVID-19 infection. Because of the first and second doses of the COVID vaccines. Therefore the necessity of booster or precautionary dose is very high, as we are grappling with the third wave of the COVID infection. There will be no more serious side effects of the precautionary dose.
The most common side effects are as same as those after the two doses of vaccination. So, some common side effects are:
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Dizziness and tiredness
- Muscle and joint aches
- Fever
Pain and discomfort at the vaccine site are the commonest side effects of the shot. After vaccination, encountering any side effects should be expected. So, these shouldn’t be the reason for you to avoid vaccination. There will be a rare chance of occurring Severe allergic reactions.
Contact to doctor or healthcare provider if you feel any of the following:
- Pain or redness at the injection site gets worsened after 24 hours.
- After taking the vaccination shot there will be some allergic reactions are on the body and fever for over 48 hours, after taking the vaccination.
Due to the first and second doses of the COVID vaccine, we have effectively fought the second wave of COVID-19 infection. The necessity of the booster dose or the third dose of the COVID vaccine is very high as we are grappling with COVID infections this time. If you are eligible and ready for the booster dose then don't hesitate and book your appointment to get a precautionary dose today. Your booster dose of the COVID vaccine can be any of the brands currently authorized for use in India.
Concluding:
People after 18 who have completed any COVID-19 vaccination series within the time frames can get a booster dose. These booster doses are the best possible protection against the virus and are mandatory also.
If you are eligible for a booster but have not had one within 6 months, you will no longer be up to date with your vaccinations and be considered overdue.
