Whether you received the Johnson and Johnson’s, Moderna, or Pfizer vaccine, getting a booster shot is the next protective step against COVID-19. According to CDC.gov, the booster will give an “increased immune response and give improved protection against getting infected with COVID-19.” Here was my experience with getting the Pfizer booster shot.

I received my booster at Albertsons and I experienced no wait time due to already making an appointment online. I went to the pharmacy at the time of my appointment, presented my vaccination card to the physician, and was immediately taken to get my shot. It was an extremely quick, easy, and painless process.

After my appointment, I made sure to keep careful watch over myself and look out for symptoms, but I didn’t experience any besides a sore arm for a few days. This isn’t guaranteed, as the booster may affect everyone differently, but I had a very pleasant time with getting my shot.

Ages and time limits for receiving your booster vary based on the vaccine. According to CDC.gov, if you received Pfizer, you must be 12 years or older, while both Johnson & Johnson and Moderna require you to be 18 years or older. With this, Pfizer and Moderna allow you to get your booster at least 5 months after your initial vaccination, while Johnson & Johnson states that you must only wait 2 months after to receive yours.

If you are of age and have waited the appropriate time limit to get your booster, it is highly recommended that you do so. New studies by the CDC have found that “booster doses were 90 percent effective at keeping people out of hospital after they had become infected with the Omicron variant.” This is according to WebMD.com.

“These reports add more evidence to the importance of being up to date with COVID vaccinations.” said Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, according to WebMD.com. With COVID-19 cases at an all-time high, and the Omicron variant being a new concern, receiving your booster is of the utmost importance.

Overall, I highly recommend that you go get your booster if possible. I had an exceedingly positive experience and believe that it is the best way to keep yourself, and those around you, safe and protected against COVID-19.