Recently, the particular topic of booster dose for COVID-19 vaccine has taken the world by storm. According to the news, a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine is actually an additional dose of a vaccine given to people after the protection provided by the original shots has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial doses naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity longer. That means people all over the world would have longer immunization against COVID-19.
Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms. Emerging evidence also shows that among healthcare and other frontline workers, vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections is decreasing over time. This lower effectiveness is likely due to the combination of decreasing protection as time passes.
According to the recent Facebook post of the Ministry of Health Malaysia, they will start to administer the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia for senior citizens aged 60-years-old and above. The booster dose would also be given to frontline workers who have received a complete dose of the vaccine at least 6 months ago. Eligible individuals for the booster dose will be notified through the MySejahtera app. For those who do not have the app, notification will be given using text message or even call from the Vaccination Center.
A third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is actually identical to the first two doses. It can help protect people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first two doses of one of the mRNA vaccines. Such people can get a third dose as soon as 28 days after a second dose. The FDA has authorized, and the CDC recommends, that those with certain medical conditions that suppress the immune system get a third dose of the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine that they initially received.
Who Can Get Booster Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine?
1) Older Adults And 50 To 64-Year-Old People With Medical Conditions
People aged 65 years and older and adults 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should get a booster dose of vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions.
2) Long-Term Care Setting Residents Aged 18 Years And Older
Residents aged 18 years and older of long-term care settings should get a booster dose of vaccine. Because residents in long-term care settings external icons live closely together in group settings and are often older adults with underlying medical conditions, they are at increased risk of infection and severe illness from COVID-19.
3) People With Medical Conditions Aged 18-49 Years
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may get a booster dose of vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks. Adults aged 18–49 years who have underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, that risk is likely not as high as it would be for adults aged 50 years and older who have underlying medical conditions.
4) Employees And Residents At Increased Risk For COVID-19 Exposure And Transmission
People aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster dose of vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks. Adults, who aged 18–64 years who work or reside in certain settings may be at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19, which could be spreading where they work or reside.
Sources: YouTube World Health Organization, Ministry of Health Malaysia.