Maximizing Protection: When to Get the New COVID Booster

With new COVID-19 boosters becoming available, it is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older get the updated shot for optimal protection. The timing of the booster depends on factors such as recent vaccinations or previous COVID-19 infection. Those who recently received the bivalent booster should wait two months before getting the new booster, while those who recently had COVID-19 should wait three months. If the last COVID-19 shot was more than two months ago, it is advisable to get the updated shot soon. Additional doses may be recommended for older adults and immunocompromised individuals. The new vaccines are expected to be available in pharmacies, and side effects are expected to be similar to previous COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines have shown strong immune responses against dominant variants and are crucial in the face of evolving virus strains.