Coronavirus vaccine boosters: why you need to get them

It's been half a year since the government first started administering coronavirus vaccine boosters to fully vaccinated healthcare workers and now 14 million people have gotten their booster shots.

The government has even taken the shots to the people rather than have the people come to them, like the free COVID-19 vaccine booster shots administered to fully vaccinated tourists vacationing in Boracay.

Pharmaceutical companies like Zuellig Pharma Corporation, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca have also been coordinating with the national government and local government units to ensure that booster shots go to people who need them.

But if you're one of those people still unsure about getting booster shots or the need to get them, here are some of the things we know about the COVID-19 vaccine boosters and why we should get them.

When should you get a vaccine booster?

There is no uniform time period as to when you should get your COVID-19 vaccine booster, since the different brands come with different recommended periods. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those who had the Pfizer vaccine for their initial dose should get the booster five months after their final dose. Those who had the Moderna vaccine, on the other hand, should get their booster shot three months after their final dose. Meanwhile, people who got the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine should get a booster shot two months after their final dose. Those who got vaccinated with AstraZeneca vaccine, on the other hand, should get their booster shot four to six months after their final dose.

Here in the country, the Department of Health has already called on senior citizens and healthcare workers to avail of the second booster shots, especially if they took the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Why should I get a vaccine booster shot?

While when you should get a booster shot is pretty clear-cut, some people may find it harder to be convinced if they don't have a reason as to why they should get a booster shot.

If you're one of those looking for a reason to get your first booster shot, here are some reasons as to why you should.

1. Less severe hospitalizations
Because of the different variants that are popping up, even those fully vaccinated can still get a breakthrough infection, such as BLACKPINK member Lisa Manoban. Getting a booster shot shores up the initial protection provided by your vaccine shots, making sure that you avoid breakthrough infections or make any breakthrough infections not as severe.

2. Safer meet-ups
While gatherings are now allowed by the government, that doesn't mean that everybody is now safe from infection. The different COVID-19 variants that have been appearing all over the world show that breakthrough infections can still happen, so getting a booster shot is an added layer of protection that can set your mind at ease when you eat out, attend gatherings, or travel.

3. Convenient travel
Travel restrictions have loosened up all over the country and even the world, but usually those looser travel restrictions only apply to those who are either fully vaccinated or have had their booster shots. There are also different places in the country and around the world that require vaccination certification before you are allowed to enter, so ensuring that your vaccines and booster shots are in order will just make things easier for you.

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