With the latest COVID-19 surge easing around the country, and on the Central and South Coasts, news about the virus has been eclipsed by things like the war in Ukraine, and high gas prices.
You’ve probably heard that the Centers for Disease Control opened the door for a second vaccine booster shot.
But who’s eligible? And, should you do it now?
One of the Tri-Counties leading public health experts talks about who can get the booster.
"Anybody who is 50 years of age or older is eligible, and anyone 12 years of age and older and has a significant immunocompromised situation," said Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County’s Public Health Officer.
He says while the latest surge has eased, COVID-19 is still leading to deaths in the region. Ventura County had seven in the last week, Santa Barbara County four, and San Luis Obispo County seven.
So, if it’s been more than four months since your booster, do you go get that second booster now, just because you are eligible?
"I don't think people would be wrong to strategize about getting the second booster. The things that people need to take into consideration is (your) risk, and how much COVID is around," said Dr. Levin.
He says while case rates are relatively low now, if you see the numbers start to go up, it may be time to get the booster.
The motivation for waiting is that there seems to be a lifespan to the effectiveness of the vaccinations, and there could be an advantage to waiting to late fall or early winter, when we might see another spike.
The Ventura County Public Health Officer says there’s also another nuance. If you’ve had the first booster, but also had COVID recently, getting the virus acts as booster of sorts, so you could wait a few months.
And, if you are eligible but healthy, Dr. Levin says you can wait a little on that fourth booster. But, if you are anxious to get that second booster now, and you are eligible Dr. Levin says there isn’t a downside.
He says it doesn't matter which one of the MRNA vaccines you get as a second booster. They are now all readily available in the Tri-Counties, with Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties also offering a number of free clinics.
