Learning More about the COVID-19 Booster Shots

Written by:  PROVISION Media
On Friday, November 19, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control expanded the COVID-19 booster eligibility to include all adults.  This clears the way for more Americans to get protection against the virus.

In the United States, infections have increased by 33 percent on average over the past few weeks, to 94,000 a day. The CDC’s decision landed just as Americans prepare to spend the holidays with family and friends, gatherings likely to accelerate the trend.

Faced with rising infections and the surge in holiday travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday endorsed booster shots of the coronavirus vaccines for all Americans over the age of 18.

Americans can now get their COVID-19 booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.  As with the first round of vaccines, some people may experience a few mild to moderate flu-like symptoms after the shot.  

Here are 5 Common Side Effects After Each Booster:

1.  According to clinical trial data collected by Pfizer-BioNTech, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were:
-Injection site pain
-Fatigue
-Headache
-Muscle pain
-Chills
Source: Pfizer-BioNTech/FDA


2.  According to clinical trial data collected by Moderna, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were: 
-Injection site pain 
-Fatigue 
-Headache 
-Muscle pain 
-Joint pain 
Source: Moderna/FDA


3.  According to clinical trial data collected by Johnson & Johnson, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were:
-Injection site pain 
-Fatigue 
-Headache 
-Muscle pain 
-Nausea
Source: Johnson & Johnson /FDA


Anyone who has received their first two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago is now eligible for the booster.  Anyone who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago is now eligible.

Most people should get the booster shot once eligible, but everyone’s individual health is different.  If you have questions or concerns, consult with your doctor before proceeding.  Experts say, “It’s a low risk, high reward choice.”

The booster shots are available in American Samoa.  Please contact the Department of Health (DOH) to find out the locations and times available.  It’s up to us to make a change.