This Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Will Soon Be Available for All Adults

The great news just keeps coming this week: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine booster shot for all American adults. So far, only adults who fit within certain criteria have been able to get the extra jab.

Currently, Covid-19 vaccine booster shots from Pfizer are only available to elderly Americans, adults with pre-existing health conditions, and adults with lifestyles or jobs that put them at greater risk of contracting the virus. Moreover, all parties need to have previously received an initial round of doses at least six months prior to getting this additional one. With this upcoming approval though, millions more people over the age of 18 will be able to protect themselves, especially as the holiday season approaches.

On top of that, once this authorization goes through, it’s not just folks who originally got the Pfizer vaccine who’ll have access to this booster; anyone who received the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson shots is able to get it. Scientists have already said it’s safe to mix vaccines for your booster; you’ll still see the same effectiveness, and you’ll be better protected against the Delta variant. Currently, Johnson & Johnson booster shots are already available to all adults who received a previous dose six months prior, and while Moderna hasn’t opened up its booster to everyone over 18 (just adults who fit a narrower criteria), they’re sure to be next in the authorization process.

While there’s no exact date of when the approval will go through, the New York Times reported that it could be as early as Thursday. While you might deal with some side effects similar to what you experienced from your first doses of the vaccine, it’s definitely worth it. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays without the added stress of Covid-19 immunity hanging over your head!