New vaccines against Covid-19, which can help protect you against the most common variants of the virus currently circulating, are widely available.
Doctors say that some people prefer to wait until October to get the Covid vaccine, to be vaccinated against the flu at the same time and have better protection throughout the winter. But those at higher risk of becoming severely ill from Covid, including those who are pregnant, are 65 years or older, or have underlying medical conditions, likely want to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
What you need to know about the new vaccines
Where can I get vaccinated?
There are now three updated vaccines available: one from Moderna, one from Pfizer, and one from Novavax. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both formulated to target the KP.2, a strain of the virus that is very similar to the variants that are now spreading widely. The Novavax vaccine is formulated to target the JN.1, an earlier strain of the virus that is also close to the dominant strains.
You can find all three vaccines at pharmacies, medical offices, and other health centers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online directory where you can locate pharmacies near you.
Is the vaccine free?
Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans cover the cost of Covid vaccines for adults. Children can receive the vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program. Community health clinics may offer free or low-cost vaccines for people who are uninsured or whose insurance plans do not cover vaccination costs.
Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time?
Yes, many doctors recommend doing so.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the side effects of the vaccine?
Not everyone will experience side effects, and some will only feel minimal discomfort, such as pain at the injection site. However, those who do have side effects often experience fever, fatigue, and nausea after receiving the Covid vaccine. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
The CDC does not recommend taking pain relievers before getting the shot. Medications may affect how your immune system responds to the vaccine. After getting the shot, however, doctors say that those who do not feel well can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever or pain.
I’m pregnant. When should I get vaccinated?
Pregnant women are at higher risk of becoming severely ill from Covid and should therefore get vaccinated as soon as possible, according to experts. They can receive the vaccine at any time during pregnancy, and the vaccine’s antibodies will pass to the fetus.
I woke up feeling unwell. Should I cancel my vaccination appointment?
If you wake up with a sore throat, runny nose, or any other Covid symptoms, the advice is to take a home test. If it’s positive, cancel your appointment and stay home. You can wait at least three months after recovering to receive an updated vaccine, as the infection will give you a boost of antibodies.
If your Covid test is negative and you feel only slightly unwell, you can proceed and still get vaccinated.
Source: The New York Times