OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Some Oklahomans are wondering when they should get their second booster.
With a surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the omicron BA.5 subvariant, some might think now is the time to get more protection against the virus.
Dr. Dale Bratzler of OU Health said if you fall into an at-risk category, go out and get one but if not, you can wait a little longer.
“I strongly recommend that if somebody is immunocompromised, elderly, the CDC’s official recommendation is that if you’re over the age of 50 or if you have any immunocompromising condition, you go ahead and get the second booster dose,” Bratzler said.
That was Bratzler’s message to anyone in an at-risk category but he has a different message for those not in that group.
“But if you’ve had one booster dose and are reasonably healthy, younger, then I think you could wait until the fall because we may have a new vaccine that covers both the old strains and the new strains,” Bratzler said.
That being said, if you’re not at risk but you did need a second shot, there is no need to worry.
“I spoke with an immunologist at the NIH about concerns about getting too many doses, and we’re just not aware of any concerns that it impacts the effectiveness of the vaccine and it doesn’t seem to increase any complications,” Bratzler said.
Vaccine makers are trying to have the newest booster, designed to work against BA.5, ready by September.
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