The COVID-19 pandemic saw governments worldwide enact lockdowns and restrictions to stop the spread of the virus. They also performed testing such as a rapid antibody test or PCR Test to determine if anyone was infected. The rapid antigen test for travel becomes essential for anyone going to the UK. A fly fit COVID test is a requirement for travel to the UK and crossing international borders.

Governments have put efforts to implement and observe such safety measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Another significant development was the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines that can protect against severe illness. However, vaccines lose effectiveness over time, which is also true for COVID-19 vaccines.

As a result of growing concerns about declining immunity and more contagious COVID-19 variants, specifically the Delta variant, booster shots were introduced. The National Health Service (NHS) in England announced that it would offer COVID-19 booster shots.

What is a COVID-19 booster shot?

A booster shot is an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that helps prolong the effectiveness of the vaccine’s immunity. People typically develop antibodies that can protect them from disease after receiving a dose of a vaccine. Similar to other vaccines, antibodies may gradually decrease over time. A dose of COVID-19 booster shot may help increase antibody levels that can fight the virus if it enters a person’s body.

What is the difference between a booster and an additional dose?

Individuals with moderate to severe immunocompromised health who did not have sufficient protection during their first COVID-19 vaccination are given an additional dose of vaccine, which can enhance their defence against the virus. 

On the other hand, a booster dose is given to people who have had sufficient protection from the disease after vaccination, but its effectiveness has gradually decreased over time.

For more information about the COVID-19 booster shots, here is an infographic provided by Harley Medic International.