The CDC has provided us with mixed information when it comes to the COVID-19 booster shots. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies.
There’s been a lot of back on forth on the COVID-19 booster; you have to read the news every day to stay on top of it. The mishandling of matters by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only made things worse, confusing everyone on whether or not they’re able to get the shot or even if they should.
Do you qualify? Here’s what we know.
In order to qualify for a booster shot, you must have received the Pfizer vaccine, since that’s the vaccine that has earned approval. According to the suggestions made by the CDC, people 65 and older and people between the ages of 50-64 with underlying medical conditions should get the Pfizer booster. People between the ages 18-64 may get the booster if they have an underlying condition or if they work somewhere that exposes them to the virus to higher degrees than the normal population.
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The CDC has provided a list of health conditions that qualify people for getting their Pfizer booster. It’s important to remember that people who are immunocompromised, whether they’re undergoing cancer treatment or suffering from a condition that affects their immune system, also qualify for the booster.
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The toughest area to navigate would be jobs, since the CDC isn’t all that clear. The current list of high-risk occupations includes, “healthcare workers, teachers, and daycare staff, grocery workers, people who work in prisons and homeless shelters, among others.” It’s unclear what among others means, but a lot of people could fit under this definition, making the booster relatively easy to get.
Now that they were approved, boosters should become available soon. While before there were lines and wait times, experts predict that getting this vaccine will be relatively easy, since pharmacies, hospitals and more already have these items in stock.
