Getting the COVID-19 booster shot

Why you should consider getting the COVID-19 booster shot

The Department of Health recently announced that all South Africans aged 12 years and older should receive COVID-19 booster shots as soon as they become eligible, to enhance their immune protection.

What is a booster shot?

Over time, the protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccine will begin to decrease as the immunity you gained from the initial dose (or doses) starts to wane. A COVID-19 booster shot is an additional dose of the vaccine which is designed to help you maintain your level of immunity for longer.

In South Africa, a booster can be a second dose of the J&J vaccine or a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

Why should I get a booster shot? Is the vaccine not effective?

The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective in protecting you against serious infection. One study involving about 78 000 Omicron cases found that getting two shots of the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalisation due to COVID-19 by about 70% across all age groups.

However, your body gradually loses some of the protection that the vaccine provides – a phenomenon known as waning immunity – and that is why you need to get another shot to boost your immunity again.

In addition, some people with compromised immune systems can’t produce sufficient antibodies to COVID-19 after getting vaccinated, and require more than one dose of the vaccine to achieve proper immunity. Keep in mind that vaccination against diseases such as measles and tetanus also require multiple doses to ensure complete effectiveness.

When must I get a booster shot?

The Department of Health recommends that immunocompromised individuals get their booster 28 days after they’ve received the first (J&J) or second (Pfizer) dose of vaccine. All other persons can receive the booster 60 days (two months) after the first J&J dose and 180 days (6 months) after the second Pfizer dose.

Can I “mix and match” vaccines?

Research suggests that mixing and matching vaccines can be as effective – and sometimes better – at increasing antibody levels and thereby strengthening immunity. At present, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has not yet licensed mix and match vaccines.

Will Medihelp pay for my booster shot?

Yes. All approved COVID-19 vaccinations qualify for prescribed minimum benefits (PMB) and Medihelp will therefore pay the cost of the COVID-19 vaccines and the administering thereof in full. Medihelp is billed by the vaccination centre where you receive your vaccinations.

Where can I get my booster shot?

South Africa has vaccination sites set up across the country. You can access the list of vaccination sites here.
If you haven’t yet received your COVID-19 vaccination(s), visit your nearest vaccination site and they will register and vaccinate you free of charge. Anyone aged 12 years and older qualifies to get vaccinated.