For the past two months or so I’ve been debating whether I should have the second booster now or wait until the fall when the companies are expected to offer vaccines that might help more with the omicron strains. Without being a medical professional I have looked at the CDC guidance and looked for articles about the current booster and how effective it is now.
With my history of having a stroke and neurological complications, aphasia and apraxia as well as the neuropathy and central nerve pain, I wanted to be sure that I was doing what I should to prevent Covid. I also wanted to be clear on the efficacy and aware of any risks.
(disclaimer for this post and all other posts on my site: I am not a medical professionpal snd nothing I write should be taken as guidance or recommendation. It is only my experience.)
When I saw my primary care the last time, the 2nd booster wasn’t recommended yet for people my age. I find the information out there very slim on whether someone in my condition or with my history should get the booster as soon as it is available. People are left to their own interpretation on what it means to be immune compromised or have underlying conditions. Certainly lay people and especially people who have some language challenges, like me, can be confused by what is presented.
I recently heard from another person in an aphasia group that she got covid and has been suffering from more neurological issues for the past 2 month. Her aphasia is increased, she has dizziness and brain fog, and has more fatigue. When she called her neurologist, he said of course, it is affecting you hard, it is a virus that affects the brain. That is the first time I heard it stated so clearly.
I was looking for more personal recommendation from my doctor last week when I saw her. I asked her if I should get the booster now knowing my history or should I wait until the more effective vaccines targeted to the variants comes out in the fall. Her response was a generic one. Why not get it now and then again in the late fall?
So once again I felt alone in my decision. I needed more research and contemplation.
Stay turned for parts 2 and 3...... until next time.
While I do not have your issues, I'm waiting on a second booster to see if there will be any improvement against the two new strains. I still got COVID in May and fortunately, it wasn't too severe, but I was also given the new Paxlovid (like Tamiflu) which may have lessened the symptoms and shortened the time (although there is really no way to tell). You are doing the right thing by doing your own research in addition to your doctor's advice. Stay well!
It's scary when a person has medical issues and not knowing what the outcome of the next booster might bring. Hubby and I haven't received the 2nd booster yet either. I hope you can get a positive answer from someone in the medical field.