The third time’s a charm. Booster shots are now available at nearby pharmacies for free. They help prevent a patient from getting severe covid symptoms and an added protection against the “Omicron” variant.

Johns Hopkins Medical Center explained via their website, “A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.”

  CDC guidelines recommend booster shots for vaccinated individuals who got their second dose six months ago, are 65 or older, those with underlying conditions, and finally, teachers. Those 18+ are also recommended to get their booster if they work in places with spreadable conditions.

If you got the Johnson and Johnson, the CDC recommends that everyone get a booster shot two months after their initial shot. 

State governments have also told people to get booster shots to be considered fully vaccinated and require travelers to be.

The CDC recommends teachers also get a booster. Many Riordan teachers have obtained their booster shot or are still in the process of getting theirs.

 Julia Stricker-Balistreri, Science Department Chair, got hers right after it came out at Walgreens. Her reasoning for getting the booster is, “I am a big fan of being as protected as possible against any sort of virus/disease/etc.”

Sabrina Andreatta, ASL teacher, will get her booster shot before Christmas, anywhere she can get one. “It couldn’t hurt to be extra cautious and safe, especially during the winter season where many people tend to catch a common cold or flu.”

Armando Castillo, World Languages Chair, is excited to get his from Kaiser Permanente. He wants the shot “not to be immunocompromised.”

There are bound to be side effects, including exhaustion, fever, and a sore arm, but those side effects depend on the individual and may prove the vaccine is working