COVID-19 UPDATES: More on the Booster and Vaccine Mandates

Words by Daniela Cortes.

Image courtesy of Mufid Majnun.

With the delta variant continuing to account for the majority of COVID cases, protection against the virus through vaccines is more important than ever. However, studies have shown that as time goes on, vaccine protection wanes and as a result becomes less effective against the delta variant. Now there is concern about waning immunity for those who got vaccinated earlier this year, including healthcare workers, people over 65, and people with underlying conditions. 

 Currently, a COVID-19 booster is available for those who got the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and are:

·  65 years and older

·  Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings

·  Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions

·  Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings

·  Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings

Booster shots can be found at local pharmacies and state run facilities. Only the Pfizer booster shot has been approved by the FDA. The FDA has yet to clear a Moderna or J&J booster shot, but they are meeting this Thursday and Friday to discuss the issue. 

As someone who qualified for the booster shot, I was quick to sign up for an appointment at a local CVS in Harlem. Getting the booster shot was quick and easy, much like getting the original vaccine doses, just remember to bring your vaccination card! I arrived for my appointment and was given the vaccine within 10 minutes. Like getting the second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer, there are some mild to moderate side effects. I felt a slight headache and pain in my arm. There is also the possibility of localized lymph node swelling, which I am also experiencing. But do not worry, this symptom is less scary than it sounds! This side effect is temporary and harmless. It results from your body producing antibodies, meaning that it shows that the vaccine is working. It mostly feels like a dull ache in the armpit and only lasts for two weeks. Getting the booster when eligible is important to ensure lasting protection. 

In other COVID news, healthcare workers, including assisted living homes, hospice care, treatment centers and AIDS home care programs, who refuse to get a vaccine are banned from working in New York starting this past Friday. As many as 12,00 workers could decline vaccination, the Home Care Association of New York State said. The mandate does not have a religious exemption, but courts have temporarily allowed it while legal challenges play out. Exemptions to the vaccine mandate for the Department of Education employees was recently struck down by the U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil, who said she could not, “ignore the harm that could take place if the schoolchildren were exposed to the risk of COVID,” if she gave temporary relief from a mandate meant to protect them. Governor Kathy Hochul is also extending vaccine mandates for healthcare workers who work in certain facilities served by the Office of Mental Health and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. By November 1st, these healthcare workers are to have at least one dose of the vaccine without a test-out option.