The Booster Vaccine, is it worth it post-lockdown?
Over 19,4 million South Africans are fully vaccinated against the SARS COVID-19 virus, which means that many of us are eligible for our booster shots. Many questions have been raised about the additional protection of a booster vaccine post-lockdown, like whether it is still advised or necessary to go through with the additional precautions.
Clinical evidence still proves in favour of vaccine boosters as the immune response fades naturally over time, and as the virus adapts and changes our immune systems may no longer recognise the threat. So, despite numerous concerns about the mutated variants of the virus, many healthcare experts still endorse the booster vaccine as our most pertinent form of protection currently.
The Booster Myths and Facts:
You shouldn’t mix and match vaccines – MYTH
You can get a mixture of J&J and Pfizer vaccines, so long as you are fully vaccinated by one and receive the other either 60 or 90 days later as a booster.
The Booster does not help against newer variants such as omicron – MYTH
There is ample evidence that booster vaccines increases antibody levels to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Higher antibodies are also found to offer more protection against variants including omicron.
The COVID-19 vaccines are untested – MYTH
All vaccines used in South Africa go through extensive testing, by means of numerous clinical trials that include thousands of individuals who were followed for a minimum of two months. Safety monitoring is required for all approved vaccines to ensure the long-term safety of vaccines too.
The vaccine will make you sick – MYTH
None of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19; therefore, the vaccine cannot make you sick with the virus. The vaccine teaches your body to react and fight the virus, and sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as fever, these symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that caused COVID-19.
Booking your booster vaccine is a great choice!
Use our pharmacy locator to find your nearest Alpha Clin Clinic and enquire about the booster vaccine today: https://www.alphapharmacies.co.za/
