Booster Vaccine for People with Respiratory Difficulties
People with respiratory difficulties, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and sleep apnea, are at an increased risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Therefore, it is important for these people to get a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible.
Booster shots help strengthen the body’s immune response to COVID-19. This can help protect people with respiratory difficulties from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, or dying.
In general, people with respiratory difficulties should get a COVID-19 booster shot at least 6 months after receiving the last dose of the primary series. However, some people, such as those with a weakened immune system, may need to get the booster shot sooner.
COVID-19 booster shots are available in the form of an injection or nasal spray. The injection is the most common form of booster shot. The nasal spray is an option for people who cannot receive the injection, such as people with severe allergies or people who have difficulty breathing.
COVID-19 booster shots are safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild and usually go away on their own within a few days.
If you have respiratory difficulties, talk to your doctor about the COVID-19 booster shot. Your doctor can help you determine if the booster shot is right for you and can answer any questions you have.
Benefits of booster shots for people with respiratory difficulties
COVID-19 booster shots can offer the following benefits for people with respiratory difficulties:
- Reduce the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
- Reduce the risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19.
- Reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19.
Requirements to receive a COVID-19 booster shot
To receive a COVID-19 booster shot, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines at least 6 months earlier.