You have already received your two doses of the COVID vaccine, medical professionals encourage you to get another dose. The FDA has recently approved a third vaccine shot for people with conditions and medications that can weaken their immune system. People hospitalized and elderly are prioritized to getting the vaccine because they are at a higher risk of symptoms. The third dose has the same ingredients as the previous two doses and should be received at least 28 days after the first two shots. It is necessary to get the same vaccine brand, if you had Pfizer, you would receive a Pfizer shot, and if you had Moderna, you would receive a Moderna shot. The CDC recommends that everyone is at least 12 years old to get the vaccine, teens under 18 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine. As of August 2021, there has not been a vaccine for those under 12 years old because of testing and clinical trials. The third vaccine shot is not considered a booster shot but rather an additional dose. It would be best to get the third dose six months after the second shot because your body does not have enough antibodies after only two shots.
History of the Coronavirus
The story behind where the virus originated is unclear, and we might never get an exact answer. Some believe it was a disease from bats, and even some believe it was made from labs because of overpopulation. Supposedly, the SARS-CoV-2 made its way into humans from wet markets. Wet markets are where customers can buy fresh meat and fish that are killed in front of them. Due to the small space and many wild species, the environment allowed the virus to start infecting and changing its gene. This virus is being passed from human to human, direct contact, or even through the atmosphere. Scientists first found the virus in humans in 1965, the only symptom recorded was a common cold. The SARS-CoV-2 got its name coronavirus because the virus has a protein spike crown on the outside. There are many variants of the coronavirus; however, only seven of those can infect humans. Symptoms got worse when there was a small outbreak in 2004 with only four cases but caused a fever and headache. Due to the virus changing genetic mutation, we now have a new variant called the “Delta Variant”, which is more deadly. This is why it is crucial to get the vaccine recommended so the virus will not have the host's cells to enter, therefore not changing it’s genes.
History of the COVID Vaccine
The Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and more vaccines all vary from each other. They have different effective rates, different suggested storing times, and more. All are effective in reducing your risk of being infected with COVID-19. The Delta Variant is now spreading worldwide due to the still high percentage of unvaccinated people. The Pfizer-BioNTech became the first vaccine to be approved and available to those 16 and older. Pfizer was also the first company to receive approval from the FDA for the vaccine. This is an mRNA vaccine because the coronavirus DNA is mRNA. Pfizer needs to be stored at a freezing temperature to be effective. You receive the two doses at least 21 days apart from the last. Like with any vaccine, there will be minor side effects. I can promise you it is better to get side effects than the actual virus. Moderna was approved one week after Pfizer was and can only be used on those 18 and older. It is also an mRNA vaccine and needs to be stored at a freezing temperature. However, with Moderna, you will receive the second dose at least 28 days from the first. Johnson and Johnson were then approved in February 2021, this vaccine is different because it is a carrier vaccine. You only need one shot, and it can be stored at an average refrigerator temperature. There are many benefits for a vaccine to only need one shot, like places far away from vaccine distribution. However, this vaccine is not as effective because it only requires one shot. There are two other vaccines that are still being tested and not available to those who live in the US but are used for emergencies: Oxford-AstraZeneca and Novavax.
Should you get the third dose?
You are recommended and encouraged to get a third vaccine shot to protect yourself and others around you. It is highly encouraged to those that have severe medication and illnesses as the third shot can help you. Even if you are vaccinated with two or three shots, you are recommended to still wear a mask in areas with high populations. If we want the world to go back to normal, we have to do our part. Talk to family members and friends who are still reluctant to get the vaccine. Tell them about the benefits for them and others. Make a difference.
Sources:
Johanna.Younghans. “Should You Get a Third Dose of COVID Vaccine?” Michigan Health, 18 Aug. 2021, healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/should-you-get-a-third-dose-of-covid-vaccine.
Katella, Kathy. “Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different?” Yale Medicine, 23 Aug. 2021, www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison.
Rath, Linda. “Coronavirus History.” WebMD, 24 Mar. 2020, www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-history#:%7E:text=Scientists%20first%20identified%20a%20human,Seven%20coronaviruses%20can%20infect%20humans.
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