Booster Doses: You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Booster Doses: You Have Questions, We Have Answers

You’ve heard the word booster get talked about a lot lately and are probably wondering what it all means.  You got vaccinated, so why are you being asked to go get another dose? What is a booster dose exactly, and why should you be getting one?

What is a COVID-19 booster dose and why do I need it?

Over time the protection your body receives from your original dose(s) naturally starts to decrease. This means if you were to get COVID-19, your body would not be able to protect itself as well. This makes you more at risk for severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. A booster dose helps bring your body’s level of protection back up.

I’ve already gotten COVID-19. Do I still need a booster dose?

Yes. While getting COVID-19 does provide you with some protection afterwards, research continues to show that getting a booster dose after you get COVID-19 results in your body responding better against future infection while also providing longer-lasting protection.

If you have had COVID-19, it is now recommended to get your booster dose three months after your symptoms first started, or you had a positive test.

Who should get a booster dose?

Anyone 12 years or older. The chart below tells you when you can get your booster dose, according to your age.

Chart that shows when you can get your COVID-19 booster dose based on your age. All boosters are 84 days from your second dose unless you are age 12-17. That age group gets a booster at 168 days.

Can my booster dose be a different brand than I got before?

Yes. Health Canada has approved two vaccine boosters, Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna. Research shows that both vaccines are safe, effective and can be substituted.

If you are 30+ years old, the best vaccine is the one available to you right now.

If you are 12-29 years old, Health Canada recommends you get the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine as it can help reduce the rare risk of myocarditis or pericarditis in this age group.

How do I book my booster dose?

We’ve made it easy for you to get your booster dose by providing you with lots of options.

  1. Walk-in
    1. View the vaccine clinic schedule at CKPublicHealth.com/Clinics
  2. Book an appointment
    1. Online at GetYourShotCK.ca
    2. Call 519-351-1010
  3. Check your local pharmacy or health care provider

For more information, please check out our booster doses page or the Ontario Guidance Document.

Sources

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/how-vaccinated.html#a9

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/effectiveness-benefits-vaccination.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/how-vaccinated.html#a2

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/how-vaccinated.html#a9