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COVID really is the gift that keeps on giving.
Just when you thought it was safe to gather with family and friends for the holiday season, COVID is ramping up again. According to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, hospitalizations for the infection have been going up and down over the last several weeks, but the deaths from COVID are on an upward trend.1 And as we go into the winter season, when more people are in close quarters and illnesses spread quickly, it’s safe to say that the number of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID will go up.
But it could be much worse, and in fact had been much worse, before the vaccines and boosters came on the scene. If you are a senior or elderly adult, the general recommendation is to protect yourself from a possible winter surge of COVID this year with the newest booster.
What are the New COVID Boosters Approved by the FDA?
Just as you need to carry an emergency button alarm to keep you safe from the dire consequences of untreated accident or injury, it’s important to protect yourself in other ways too. One excellent way to do that is with the COVID vaccination and boosters.
The Food and Drug Administration has now approved the latest boosters for all individuals aged six months and up.2 These boosters are especially important for seniors, who often have compromised immune systems and a more difficult time fighting off the respiratory illness that comes along with COVID. In addition, many elderly adults who already got vaccinations and boosters in the past will likely have waning protection against the virus, making them more likely to get the new strains that are floating around.
Here are answers to some of the common questions about getting the latest COVID booster.
Why Do I Need a New Booster?
Experts now view COVID as being in the same category as the flu – a respiratory virus that can be controlled in the general population through vaccines. But that vaccine changes every year to keep up with the new viral strains that evolve throughout the season.
Just as you get a new flu vaccine every year to fight the new strains of that virus, you do the same with COVID. The new boosters are updated versions that take into account the more recent variants of the virus, such as XBB.1.5 and BA.2.86.
How long Will the New COVID Booster Protect Me?
You aren’t immediately protected when you get your booster, so don’t take that mask off just yet if you are vulnerable! The full effect of the booster kicks in about two weeks after you get the shot, just like the flu vaccine does. The protection of the booster will last for at least several months, which will get you through the peak season for COVID and other respiratory illnesses. And if you do happen to get sick, you are likely to have a much milder case and will have a better chance of avoiding hospitalization.
Now is a great time to remind seniors and elderly adults of the importance of a medical alert pendant as a constant safety companion. Even after you get the booster, it’s still possible to get COVID – though likely a mild case. Even so, anything that affects your respiratory system can be frightening. If you begin to feel any symptoms that concern you, press the button on your medical alert device to get help headed your way immediately.
Is It OK to Get the Booster If I Have Chronic Conditions?
For most elderly adults who have chronic conditions, getting the COVID booster is vitally important. Seniors who have lung disease, obesity, kidney disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and other chronic illnesses are those who need the booster the most. Those who are over the age of 65 are highly encouraged to get the booster, as the elderly are most at risk of hospitalization and complications from COVID.
As with any other medical condition, speak to your doctor before you get the booster. Though it is highly recommended for most people, there might an underlying condition that makes the booster dangerous for you. For instance, if you are undergoing cancer treatment of any kind, you might want to stay away from the vaccines for now – but only your doctor can tell you for sure.
But Don’t We Have Better COVID Treatments Now?
While hospitals are better-equipped to deal with the illness, that doesn’t mean that the treatments should take the place of the vaccine or booster. Those who have been hospitalized for COVID in the past year are mainly those who have compromised immune systems, usually due to age.
According to the CDC, the highest rate of hospitalization for COVID is for those over the age of 75. After that, the highest rate is for children under six months of age – their immune systems are still building and thus, they are in danger of contracting many illnesses. The next-highest rate of hospitalization falls to those between the ages of 65 and 74. It’s also important to know that those who are Black, Native American, or Alaskan Native have the highest rates of hospitalization.
The CDC noted that the vast majority of those who were hospitalized with COVID since January of 2023 were not vaccinated. These are some of the many reasons why the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC recommended the booster for the fall.3
Should I Get the New Booster if I’m Not 65?
Even if you are under the age of 65 and perfectly healthy, you should still get the booster. There are two main reasons why: one is that nobody wants to be sick, and COVID is no joke. Even those who have the mildest form of it can feel as though they were hit by a truck. It can easily mean lost hours at work (which means lost money) and missing out on other things as well.
But the second and perhaps most important reason is to prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if you will be around family members who are vulnerable to the more devastating effects of the illness, including the elderly. “Herd immunity” means that those who are vaccinated help protect those who can’t get vaccinated by reducing the number of cases of the virus in the broader community. Getting your booster helps improve herd immunity.
When and Where Can I Get the Booster?
Experts say that if it’s been at least two months since your last booster, you can get the new one. But if you are in a high-risk category, such as most seniors and the elderly, you don’t have to wait that long. However, remember that the strength of the booster wanes after several months. So getting it right now might mean that you don’t have as much protection during the tail end of the winter season, which is when many viruses are still circulating. If you are quite healthy and have no underlying conditions, it’s okay to wait to get the booster for three to six months after your last booster or COVID infection. Always check with your doctor, of course.
When you’re ready to get your booster, you can probably do so at your doctor’s office. However, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies usually also have the boosters and might even have dedicated offices to visit to get them with no waiting.
Can I Get Other Boosters at the Same Time?
The recommendations say you can get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time with no problems. The only issue you might feel is more body aches, as that is a side effect of both shots. However, if you are someone who tolerates the flu vaccine well each year, you will probably not notice much of a difference if you get both at the same time.
When it comes to the vaccine for RSV, however, you might want to space them out. Experts recommend getting your flu and COVID shots and then waiting a week or two before getting your RSV vaccine.
But as always, talk to your doctor about the order in which to get the vaccines and whether it’s okay to get some of them at the same time.
What Does It Cost?
Insurance will cover the cost of the COVID vaccines and boosters. If you aren’t covered by insurance, you can get shots at no cost through government programs like the Bridge Access Program, state programs, or local programs that are aimed at keeping the community safe.
In other words, if you are told you have to pay for the booster, look elsewhere – you are likely to find a place where you can get it for free or at extremely low cost. Check with your local senior center or ask your doctor.
No matter your choices concerning your COVID booster, go with another affordable protection: a medical alert system for elderly adults. These personal, emergency medical alarms serve as strong peace of mind. No matter where you roam, the on-the-go models will ensure you can get help anytime, anywhere – all you have to do is press the button.
