Those over 65 years of age, those with medical conditions, those in long–term care facilities and those who work in a high–risk setting are all now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots if they received their first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
The CDC recommends that qualifying individuals get the vaccine to prevent infection.
“Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms,” according to the CDC website.
For those who do not fall into the qualifications to get these boosters yet, there is still a possibility that there may be future eligibility for booster shots once more high-risk people are able to get vaccinated.
There are differing opinions among Winthrop University students on whether they believe those of all ages should have access to COVID-19 booster shots or if there should be another vaccine rollout. Though most students believe that, however it happens, there should be booster shots available for college–aged students eventually.
“I think that I’m okay with it only being for them right now because I understand that they’re the ones who need it most. Like I get that we should all want them/get them eventually but right now I get that they’re being reserved for the people who need them,” said Emilee Kellett, senior theatre major.
A common worry from college–aged students is that they are being overlooked, especially since college campuses are known for spreading sickness around quickly. With the increase of variants, it’s natural that some students worry about the lack of booster shots for their age group yet. Though most college students are understanding the focus for those more at risk when it comes to infection.
“I believe they have good intentions wanting to provide the 65 and up with the booster shot, I do believe that, but I feel like it should also be provided to the public and more age ranges, because safety shouldn’t have an age range, like the quote ‘I’d rather be safe than sorry,’” said Kyle Mayson, sophomore musical theatre major.
Mayson elaborated, pointing out how effective the original vaccine rollout was, allowing those on the front lines, such as teachers, to get vaccinated very early in the rollout.
“Provided with all the lost and all the things that have been affected by COVID-19, I’d rather they did the thing they did with the original covid shots where those 65 and up have priority, and it keeps going down from there to teachers and doctors and so on and so forth. I believe that would create a safer environment and also loosen up on things more so we can go back to normal hopefully,” Mayson said.
Most people share differentiating opinions of what should be done about the coronavirus and the vaccine rollout for this virus, but almost everyone will agree that they just want to see this end as soon as possible.
