The US Food and Narcotics Administration (FDA) has announced changes to how long the adults must wait before they can get a modern vaccine vaccine shot. Starting soon, individuals aged 18 years and over can now take their booster shots after at least five months have passed since the completion of the primary series of Moderna Vaccine.
Authorization has been changed in response to ongoing waves from the COV-2 variant that sent Omicron. Compared to the previous variants, such as the original SARS-COV-2 virus, the Omicron variant proved to be far more contagious. Because it spread throughout the world at an unprecedented level, the FDA has considered the need to shorten the time between the primary series of modern vaccines and booster shots.
According to Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the FDA Biologization Evaluation and Research Center, is increasingly vaccinated into the best way to limit the risk of capturing Covid. Marks explained, “Vaccination is our best defense against Covid-19, including circulating variants, and shortening the length of the primary series of series and booster doses can help reduce immunity.”
Before this change, the waiting time between the second shot and booster shot was six months. Bringing it to five months makes it more consistent with other available MRNA vaccines – Pfizer-Bontech vaccines can also be increased after five months passed (via CDC).
FDA details that are truly eligible for booster shots and what side effects might be caused by the third Covid-19 vaccine in the official announcement. Qualifications for Moderna booster shooting is easy: As long as you are over 18 and five months have passed since your main vaccination series, you can vaccinate once again. Even individuals who previously received the Pfizer or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine could take a modern booster shot.
It should be noted that teenagers aged 12 to 17 can only receive a Pfizer booster shot, because Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have not been allowed for that age group. CDC explains how to schedule your booster shot on its website. The agency also noted that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine was preferred in most situations above the J & J vaccine.
According to the FDA, the possible side effects of receiving Covid-19 booster shots are almost the same as those who have the main shot. The most common side effects include pain, swelling, and redness in injection site. You can also experience fatigue, headaches, muscles and joint pain, and symptoms such as fever and shivering. You can find out more directly from the CDC.