In recent months, COVID-19 booster shots have bombarded headlines in the media. Even with the widespread release of COVID-19 vaccinations in early 2021, it looks as though people are more eager than ever to receive a booster dose of the vaccine. Given the recent discoveries of new coronavirus variants, it is surprising that many of us are beginning to question if the boosters would be beneficial to our safety. 

The discussion of a booster dose for the COVID-19 vaccination began only a few months ago when Pfizer-BioNTech sought permission for its request.  Booster shots, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), provide further protection against COVID-19.  Once the shot is administered, it reminds the body’s immune system of the infection it needs to fight. This overall helps strengthen the immune system.

However, you may only be eligible for a booster shot if you received a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine six months ago and are an adult aged 65+ years, or if you are 18+ years and at risk due to a medical condition. Although the policy has not changed, the booster doses have caught the interest of many people, including myself, who are eager to see an end to the pandemic.

People nationwide are ready to ditch social distancing, masks and the fear of infection, but the pandemic isn’t over yet. Especially with the new school year starting up it’s more important than ever to have a strong sense of protection. We as teens should be doing everything we can to help improve the safety of our community. By receiving a booster shot we are not only protecting ourselves but others around us. 

Currently, only 66 percent of the nation’s population has received at least one dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 70 million of those people meeting the criteria for a booster shot according to data tracked by The Washington Post. Judging off the data, it should only be a matter of time before the previous craze over vaccines reaches booster shots. 

People should treat the booster doses with the same seriousness that they did the previous vaccines. Though there is much controversy over booster doses and vaccines, it is crucial to remember why they are here in the first place: to create a sense of safety in the ever-changing condition of a global epidemic.

It’s safe to assume that booster shots are looking like a probable solution to the uphill battle against the growing number of COVID-19 cases. Most importantly, receiving the dosage would not only protect you but the safety of others around you. Although the decision to shoot or not has been a controversial topic across the media, it’s only a matter of time before the decision becomes yours to make.