Since the first Covid-19 vaccine was administered in December 2020, the vaccine program has been rolled out throughout the UK, offering all adults two injections to help protect them against the virus. The success of this program has been credited with allowing lockdown restrictions to be lifted. However, recently a third or booster shot has been offered to some adults to increase protection.
Why is a Booster Shot Needed?
The first and second doses of the vaccination provide good protection, but this protection can wane over time. The booster vaccine, as the name suggests, boosts the protection delivered by the first two vaccines.
Who can be Vaccinated?
At the time of writing, booster shots are available for those over 50, care home residents and workers, frontline social care and health workers, people over 16 with a serious health condition that makes them vulnerable or liable to infections, their carers and those living in the same household if they are over 16. It is possible that the booster jabs will be available to other groups in the future. If you are unsure if you are eligible, check on the NHS booking site. Booster shots should not be administered until six months after the second vaccination.
Does the Booster Shot Need to be the Same Vaccine as the First Two?
Your first and second doses of Covid vaccine were likely to be from Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna. However, your booster shot may not be the same as the initial two. Currently, most people are being offered Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna as the booster. It is not a problem to have a different vaccination from your first two. Research has shown that mixing the vaccines gives at least as much protection as receiving three of the same.
Can I Still Catch Covid after a Booster Shot?
As with the first two doses, receiving a booster shot does not guarantee that you can’t catch Covid, although it does make it less likely. It will also help reduce the severity of symptoms, with a lower chance of serious illness and death. However, this does mean that it can still be passed on, so you should get tested if you develop symptoms. If you are concerned about the possibility of an outbreak in your workplace, it may be a good idea to have a stock of tests handy so that employees can quickly isolate if necessary. Matrix Diagnostics offers a variety of Covid-19 test options, including rapid antigen testing that can provide a result in 15 minutes and laboratory PCR analysis.
I am also Due for a Flu Shot, can I have Both?
At times, it can be hard to remember that there are other viruses aside from Covid and that these can be just as serious. It is safe to have the Covid and flu jabs close together or even at the same time. Getting them both as soon as you are offered them will help keep you healthy this winter and also prevent the spread of these viruses to others.
