BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – If you’re dragging your feet to get an updated COVID-19 shot, experts say the time is now.
None of us look forward to that jab and the crummy feelings that can follow. But experts say now is the time to overlook the discomfort before it’s too late.
Kinney Drugs pharmacist Steven Simpson administered countless COVID-19 vaccines this fall.
Most of his patients have been on the older side.
“The younger generation just typically tends to procrastinate a little bit, put that off. But yeah, it’s time now for pretty much anybody,” said Simpson.
More than four years out from the height of COVID-19, it can be easy to brush off another booster.
But Simpson says the virus is always changing – and so is severity.
“The variation, you know, can really change how severe COVID-19 is for certain individuals…It’s very important to get vaccinated,” said Simpson.
CDC data shows that COVID-19 rates and resulting emergency department visits are low right now.
However, Vermont health surveillance epidemiologist John Davy says that might not last.
“CDC is projecting that we will see another winter peak, maybe like we saw this summer, or perhaps even higher,” said Davy.
While winter is weeks away, Simpson says it takes a bit for your body to build up full immunity after the vaccine.
That gives you just a bit of time to get your boost for safe holiday fun.
“It’s really ideal to make sure that you get a vaccination at least a couple of weeks prior to when you know you might be gathering with that large group,” said Simpson.
The state recommends that everyone six months and older get the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Simpson says there are plenty of doses to go around.