Have You Gotten Your COVID-19 Booster Shot?

With the sudden rise and spread of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, the CDC highly recommends that all eligible individuals get the Covid-19 Booster Shot. Additionally, UCR Chancellor Wilcox has made it a mandatory requirement that all students and faculty to be fully vaccinated (including the COVID-19 booster) no later than January 31, 2022. Click here for the latest announcements from campus such as the deadline to submit proof of COVID-19 booster for students and employees.

Here’s what you need to know about the booster: 

• There are three types of boosters: Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen. According to the CDC, individuals over 18 years old, regardless of their primaryCOVID-19 vaccination type,  can receive the Pfizer or Moderna booster.  Although the Janssen booster is approved, it is not preferred over the other two vaccine types.   
• Those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get their booster at least 6 months after their second dose. Those who received a Janssen vaccine should get their booster at least 2 months after their primary covid vaccine. 
• Although the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be effective, data suggests there is reduced protection from the virus over time. However, recent studies show that the booster increases immune response and improves protection to account for the reduction. 
• Just like the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, the booster can cause side effects such as muscle pain, headaches, fever, etc. These are normal signs that your body is working to build immunity against the virus.

COVID-19 Booster Communication:

Please visit myturn.ca.gov to find a walk-in clinic or to schedule an appointment for a booster vaccine.

Written by: Karina Wadhwa