Administering the coronavirus vaccine comes with flu-like symptoms. There are just signs that your immune system is reacting to the vaccine and not something that should terrify you.
An additional dose is to be taken by citizens of the UK whose immune systems might be compromised. The “additional” dose was first called the “third dose” when it was supposedly for those who took mRNA vaccines. On the other hand, the Covid-19 booster shots are taken regardless of the vaccine variant that was previously taken, and the jab also allows for the mixing of different vaccine variants.
The idea of a booster is to help provide a reliable backup and maintain your immune system strength. The booster can be taken by individuals who are 12 years old and above who have taken the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It can also be administered to people who are 18 years and above and have gotten the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine, as well as the Moderna vaccine.
The booster jab should be taken three months after your second vaccine dosage in the UK. The difference between an additional dose and the booster is that the latter is idle for those using medications that weaken their immune system. While the “additional” dose is for people who have moderately compromised immune systems.
The symptoms after the booster jab are similar to that of the other vaccines. Although, in some cases, it may lead to shortness of breath and chest pain. The booster jab builds extra antibodies, which provide about 85% protection from Omicron, compared to almost 100% protection against the Delta variant. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JOVI) recommend that the booster jab be given to children around 12years to 15years if they also have a weakened immune system.
If you are experiencing covid symptoms and take the PCR test, a positive result means you need to wait for about four weeks after the PCR test to book a booster jab appointment.
Should we expect more booster jabs?
The essence of the booster jab is to put an end to the pandemic. Since the booster extends the protection of the immune system from the coronavirus, it is generally targeted at reducing the rate of infection and stabilizing the world.
As the Omicron variant keeps spreading fast across nations, the probability of another pandemic is visible. It requires the collective efforts of world leaders and their citizens to ensure the Omicron variant is defeated.
There have been previous outbreaks like the Ebola virus, but no one seemed prepared for the Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, this can be avoided if better preparations are put in place for healthcare. Since 2019, we have seen huge funding go into projects related to the eradication of Covid-19.
However, funds should also go into the research and development of diseases that could also lead to a pandemic in the future. The presence of Covid-19 does not assure the absence of other ailments. Building collective financing means by the world leaders would put the world in a better position of handling another disease outbreak.
Another benefit of adequate research and development of diseases is to help cover the gap of poor medical infrastructure to handle pandemics. It also helps the manufacturing of adequate medicines and vaccines to avoid poor distribution across nations.
How do we curb the pandemic?
Despite having the vaccines and boosters, there are several preventive measures that if adhered to can stop or lessen the further spread of the virus. These basic guidelines listed out by experts in the field include:
- Maintaining hand hygiene (washing your hands regularly).
- Using a well-fitted nose and mouth mask.
- Avoid overcrowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Get vaccinated.
- Report defrauding coronavirus test, treatment, and vaccines.
