Over the last few weeks it has been discussed whether or not the application of a booster dose against Covid-19 is necessary. Clearly, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out that it is not necessary because “it would be like giving a life preserver to someone who already has one.” While there are more and more governments of countries that have authorized this measure. Among them is the United States, although it has done so with reservations. For this reason, the most important thing now is to know the information regarding the side effects caused by an additional injection of the vaccine.
To begin with, it should be clarified that so far only Pfizer has received authorization to change its immunization schedule. Initially it was said that two doses were required to obtain a 95 percent efficacy. Although that changed with the appearance of new variants of the virus. In addition, it was detected that the antibodies decrease in a very short time.
Who should receive it?
It was because of the above that the pharmacist recommends a booster dose against Covid-19. The indication is that it should be received within six months of the second injection. In this way, correct protection is guaranteed for at least one year.
However, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this indication is not for the entire population. The only ones who should receive a third injection are the people over 65 or people from vulnerable groups.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC) have monitored the people who have received the booster dose against Covid-19. As part of the results it is indicated that the secondary effects that have been presented are minimal and without major consequences.
Side effects of the booster shot
In general terms they are quite similar to those that each person developed when receiving the second dose. So far, there are just over two million people in the United States who have received the Pfizer booster dose. Of these, 21,191 reported having suffered from adverse effects and the most repeated were the following:
- Pain at the injection site (71%).
- Fatigue (56%).
- Headache (43.4%).
- General pain (7%).
Up to this moment, there is no knowledge of any case that has suffered serious adverse consequences. Therefore, it is inferred that it is safe and does not represent a risk.
Now, one of the problems Pfizer faced is an association of myocarditis among those who have received it, especially young adults. The fear that now exists is that if an additional dose is administered to the entire population, cases of this type could increase. Although for now the indication that only those over 65 receive it remains.