What you need to know about COVID boosters
Millions of Americans can now opt for an extra shot of protection against COVID-19, regardless of the vaccine they initially received.
The criteria for a booster shot can depend on your age, job, where you live and your underlying health. In most cases, you have to wait until six months after your first two shots. What's more, booster shots don't have to match the first vaccine you had.
As you sort through the maze of information (ideally in coordination with your doctor), remember that even without a booster, the vaccines available in the U.S are very effective.
"People who have gotten a primary series of immunization — whatever it was — need to understand they have very high levels of protection against death, hospitalization and severe disease," says Dr. Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group.
Confused? Take our quiz to figure out if you need one now.
And read on for more about the science — and continuing debate — around boosters.
