The CDC has given the green light for everyone over the age of 18 to get their COVID-19 booster shoot. Medical officials say the surge of winter COVID is among us with higher numbers of hospitalization, ICU admissions and as positive cases continue to grow.
In order to help combat the spread of this dreaded virus, health officials are urging all adults to get their booster shot. To get your Pfzier or Moderna booster, you must be over 18 years old and have waited six months since your second dose of the vaccine. If you received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, you only need to wait two months. The booster shots have been proven to boost your protection levels even higher than the initial shot. People getting a booster shot can expect to have a few side effect such as a sore arm, fatigue, muscle weakness and headache. The side effects have been found to be more common in younger people than in the older people. After receiving the booster shot, it is advised that you stay at home and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary. Most importantly, if you have not received the first vaccine, get vaccinated. This will cut your chances of contracting the virus and keep you out of the hospital. Everyone needs to do their part in helping combat the virus.
Since the pandemic began, a total of 666,040 Covid-19 case have been reported and the death total now stands at 11,903. A report shows that 4,797,399 total vaccine doses have been administered with 2,456,478 Oklahomans receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and 2,027,437 Oklahomans have are fully vaccinated. That is 51.2% of the eligible Oklahoma population who are fully vaccinated.
A new variant has been identified called Omicon. It was first identified in South Africa. No cases of the Omicon variant have been identifed in the United States but health officials warn that it may already be in the U.S.