Why do we need boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Rhea Boyd, MD, MPH explains how boosters help to keep protection levels up in your immune system.

Boosters are the way that you remind your immune system to keep its protection levels up. Because over time, our immune systems slowly decrease their defenses.

And, so, we sometimes for certain vaccines have to boost them or give them a second or third or for some vaccines, even a fourth dose to make sure our immune systems remember to have that maximum protection always at the ready, so if you’re ever exposed to that infection, you can fight it immediately.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated (bivalent) boosters are now available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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OB/GYNs, NURSES AND MIDWIVES ON THE COVID-19 VACCINES 7

THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us.

Doctors, nurses, researchers and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines in this FAQ video series from KFF with the Black Coalition Against COVID and UnidosUS.

A series for parents and caregivers created in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics provides the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids.

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