Should I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine? – Cleveland Jewish News

Do I really need to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

Most in the medical field strongly encourage the updated COVID-19 vaccine, but your decision may rely on a few other factors, such as a recent infection, your social circle and your health.

Here is a list of questions you need to ask yourself:

How high is your personal risk?

Do you have a weaker immune system due to age, pregnancy or a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease?

Are you taking medications that make you immunocompromised? This includes anti-rejection drugs for organ transplants, or medications for autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis?

If the answer is yes, get the vaccine.

Whos at risk in your social circle?

Do you care for aging parents or an ill relative? Even the youngest among us are vulnerable.

Particularly infants are unprotected. So children under six months need us to protect around them so that they dont get sick, said Dr. Marianne Sumego, an internal medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic.

Are you planning for future events in the next few months, such as a wedding or vacation?

The vaccine gives about three months of protection, but it takes a couple of weeks to build immunity, so plan accordingly.

Did you recently have a COVID infection?

If so, you likely also have about a three-month window of protection, but if it hit you pretty hard, you may consider getting the vaccine since cold and flu season hangs around through April.

There are now three updated COVID vaccines available. The MRNA versions from Pfizer and Moderna, and the protein-based Novavax shot is available for those 12 and older regardless if theyve had previous vaccinations.

If youre young, healthy and not a risk to the vulnerable, you may consider skipping it, but remember this advice from Sumego: COVID still causes more hospitalizations and deaths than the other respiratory illnesses that circulate. And so we know that we can reduce that and impact that chance of happening with the COVID vaccine, so why wouldnt you want to give yourself a chance of staying out of the hospital?

Monica Robins is the Senior Health Correspondent at 3News. The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this column or on our website.

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Should I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine? - Cleveland Jewish News