Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine & Boosters

Why Do I Need a COVID19 Vaccine and/or a Booster?

SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID19 has evolved over time.  The initial virus was very virulent and resulted in significant hospitalization and death.  The newer strains are even more infectious than the original although they do not appear to be as severe.  Regardless COVID19 strains still cause significant illness, loss of work or school and risk for long-term complications (about 30% of individuals get Long-COVID).  It can also still cause significant illness in those that are elderly, with weakened immune systems or have other risk-factors.

COVID19 vaccines have been tested in 100s of millions of people and found to be safe and an effective method to prevent severe complications from COVID19 infection.

The newer bivalent COVID19 vaccines include components of the initial strain and newer strains to provide broader protection against COVID19 including the highly infectious Omicron strain of the virus.

Is this Vaccine Approved for Children?

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID19 bivalent vaccine is authorized for all persons over the age of 12.

Is this Vaccine Safe?

Yes

What are the Side Effects of the COVID19 Vaccine?

Similar to the original mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, the bivalent vaccines have similar side-effects.  These side effects include:

• Pain at the site of injection (45-70%)
• Fatigue (30-50%)
• Headache (20-42%)
• Myalgia (20-43%)
• Fever (10-26%)