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During the pandemic, I always like to keep you informed about my vaccination status. Today, I received the COVID-19 booster shot. Here are a few words about it.

High Efficacy with Booster Shots

Studies and evaluations from the past few weeks have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of a booster shot, so I had to get it right away. If you remember, I wanted to consider a heterologous vaccination scheme from the beginning of the vaccine approvals: that is, a vector virus vaccine for the first dose and an mRNA vaccine for the second dose. At the time, the data showed that this would significantly increase effectiveness. Unfortunately, I was denied this option back then. So, I received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which also promises high efficacy, though slightly lower than the heterologous combination.

Now, the third booster shot was an mRNA vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer, allowing me to get my heterologous mix, albeit a bit delayed. It’s a practical training for a strong immune system.

How many vaccinations are still necessary?

Many complain because it was initially said that after two vaccinations, one would be fully immunized and that would be the end of it. However, it has been clear since the start of the vaccination campaign that changes to the vaccination schedule could occur due to the pandemic situation and the conditional market approval of the vaccines. Since the data clearly show that the third booster shot significantly increases effectiveness, the vaccination schedule was accordingly adjusted.

Similar to the flu shot, annual booster shots may also become necessary for the COVID vaccination, tailored to the currently circulating virus variant.

Closing Words

Since the vaccines are safe, effective, and provide practical training for the immune system, I am more than happy to get my booster shot annually from now on.