If you are over the age of 18 years and have been fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), the National Department of Health is encouraging you to get a booster dose. 
The booster doses provides further protection against COVID-19 in vaccinated people. This is necessary because the effectiveness of the vaccine dose decreases over time.
According to the department, those who received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine will be able to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine two months after the primary dose.
“While it is preferable that you get the booster shot within six months of the primary dose, you can still get the booster dose six months after the first dose,” the department explains.
The department adds that individuals who have a weak immune system and have already received an additional dose of the J&J vaccine will be able to receive a booster dose 60 days after receiving the additional dose.
With regards to the Pfizer vaccine, the department says members of the public who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine six months after the last vaccine.
You can get the booster dose any time beyond the six months that is recommended.
“Individuals whose immune system is weak and have received an additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine will become eligible to receive a booster dose six months after receiving the additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine,” explains the department.
It added that individuals may only receive the same booster dose as the primary vaccine dose. This means that you cannot get a booster dose of J&J vaccine if you previously received a Pfizer vaccine, and vice versa.
You can visit your nearest vaccination site to get the booster dose.
For more information contact www.sacoronavirus.co.za
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