WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 18, 2021 13
What to know about COVID-19 vaccine boosters
BY DR. DAVE A. CHOKSHI
Recently, important updates
about the COVID-19 vaccine
were announced — that certain
people are now eligible for a “booster”
dose. Since the beginning of COVID-19,
our scientifi c understanding of the virus
has constantly evolved, and many
New Yorkers understandably have
questions about this new development.
I would like to provide the “who, why
and where” about boosters.
Who should get a booster? All three
brands of booster shots are available for
many New Yorkers — Pfi zer, Moderna
and Johnson & Johnson — and “mixing
and matching” of the vaccines is safe.
OP-ED
But who is eligible for a booster depends
on the vaccine you originally received.
At this time, the Pfi zer and Moderna
boosters are approved for certain people
vaccinated at least six months ago
— specifi cally, people who are aged 65 or
older; adults with underlying medical
conditions (like diabetes); and adults
at higher risk of exposure due to their
job (like health care workers) or due
to where they live (like nursing home
residents).
The Johnson & Johnson booster is approved
for anyone ages 18 or older who
received it at least two months ago — as
I did. Since “mixing and matching” is
now authorized, Johnson & Johnson
recipients can get a booster of any of the
three authorized vaccines (Moderna,
Pfi zer or Johnson & Johnson). There is
limited data showing that Moderna or
Pfi zer vaccines could result in higher
antibody levels.
Why get a booster? The science
continues to show that all three of the
authorized COVID-19 vaccines are
safe and save lives. That’s why getting
more New Yorkers vaccinated with
their fi rst and second doses remains
the most important thing. The booster
adds another layer of protection — it is
meant to “boost” your immunity. This is
particularly important for people who
are most at risk for severe illness.
Where can New Yorkers get a booster?
In New York City, booster shots are
available at sites in all fi ve boroughs
and for in-home vaccination. To fi nd
a location near you, go to nyc.gov/vaccinefi
nder. The vaccines are free at city
sites to all New Yorkers, regardless of
immigration status.
Already, over 250,000 New Yorkers
have received a booster shot. That
means thousands of New Yorkers will
have stronger protection from COVID
19. They will be able to gather with
friends, family and loved ones more
safely. And for any New Yorkers who
are still unvaccinated, I urge you to take
the fi rst step today — join 6 million other
New Yorkers and get vaccinated. It is
our single best way out of this pandemic
and a return to normal life again.
Dr. Chokshi is New York City’s Health
Commissioner.
SNAPS
KEEPING CLEAN IN FOREST HILLS
PHOTO BY JOE ABATE
Send us your photos of Queens
and you could see them online or in our paper!
To submit them to us, tag @qnsgram on Instagram,
visit our Facebook page, tweet @QNS
or email editorial@qns.com (subject: Queens Snaps).
link
/WWW.QNS.COM
link
