Why You Should Consider Getting Your COVID-19 Booster Dose
Learn the facts about the COVID-19 booster dose and find out why you should receive it, when and where to book your appointment and more.
Are you ready to boost your protection against COVID-19?
At Wellness Pharmacy, we aim to provide trusted expert advice and resources so you can stay healthy and safe. We hope you can make better-informed decisions about your health by providing you with all the necessary information.
Likewise, one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy throughout the pandemic is book your booster dose (updated COVID-19 vaccine) as soon as you are eligible. By doing so, you’ll be maximizing your protection against the virus.
Why You Should Consider Getting Your COVID-19 Booster Dose
If you’re overwhelmed by all of the COVID-19 updates and recommendations, you’re not alone.
That’s why we’re here to help you sort through the noise and make sense of it all so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family’s health.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is the COVID-19 Booster Dose?
With COVID-19 still present in 2023, it’s important to know the details of the booster shot.
The Canadian government has approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for those vaccinated against COVID-19. If you’ve gotten your initial shots and want increased protection from the virus and its symptoms, book your booster dose as soon as you are eligible.
Keep in mind that even if you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine before, you can get the same shot as it’s not only meant to be a booster.
The latest research has shown that the booster vaccine “can help maintain and lengthen your level of protection against COVID-19, because immunity may wane over time.”
Who Should Get It?
Boosters are recommended for individuals 6 months and older who have already received doses 1 and 2. Please note that COVID-19 vaccination is free in British Columbia.
Additionally, B.C. is offering everyone 6 months and older a booster shot in the fall season as the risk is higher due to people spending more time indoors and in closer contact with one another. The updated vaccines also provide a level of protection against new variants of the virus that have developed in recent years. You will receive an invitation to book your appointment this coming fall 2023 and can book your vaccine at the same time as your flu shot if you prefer.
If you fall into a higher-risk group for severe COVID-19 infection, it is a good idea to book your booster dose as soon as you’re eligible.
High-risk groups include:
- Individuals who live in long-term care
- Older adults over the age of 70
- Immunocompromised people
- Pregnant people
- Healthcare workers
We know that all of the vaccine and booster recommendations can be confusing, but we’re here to help! If you have questions about your risk factors and whether or not you should get a booster shot, please get in touch with us here.
When Should You Get Your Booster?
Eligible people can receive a booster shot 6 months after their initial series. As mentioned above, there will be an updated COVID-19 vaccine offered in the fall season.
Please note that you must be registered with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system to book your booster dose.
Once eligible, you will receive an invitation to book an appointment for your booster dose. This will usually be 6 months after the second dose (or 2 months if you are pregnant or received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine).
Where to Get the Booster Dose?
Our Wellness Pharmacy locations are ready to help you get your booster dose. Whether you’re getting it for yourself or someone in your family, our pharmacists and staff are here to support you through this process.
Many people have questions about how the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots work and what it means for their health. We want you to know that we’re here to answer any questions or concerns that might come up along the way.
Finally, please register with the BC Get Vaccinated program to book an appointment. When you receive your booking notification from the province, you can select a Naz’s Pharmacy or Wellness Pharmacy location as your preferred site and book your appointment. We are adding appointments regularly, so please check back on the booking link if you do not see any availabilities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the COVID-19 booster dose is a simple, safe, and effective way to boost your immune system and protect yourself from the virus and its severe symptoms. The Canadian government recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the booster dose 6 months after their initial series.
If 6 months have already passed since you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late! You can still get the booster dose and protect yourself from severe infection in the future.
For more information about the booster dose or to book your appointment, visit us here.
References:
- http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/getting-a-vaccine#booster
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/booster
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/covid-19-mrna-vaccines
- https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/vaccine-doses