*This article offers a well-balanced overview of considerations for deciding whether or not to accept the booster, empowering you to make informed choices with objective, unbiased information.*

Updated February 14, 2024

COVID cases continue to rise, and many people are wondering if they should take the booster or not. This article will help you figure out your plan for receiving or declining boosters.

COVID-19 is now being called a preventable disease like polio, smallpox, and other deadly viruses that have been eradicated by vaccines. Researchers and global medical leaders are concerned that the variants that are more contagious than previous strains of Coronavirus, will spread rapidly and cause more death and disability in people who are not protected by the vaccine and the booster.

With all of the hype and political agendas, it is hard to trust the evidence-based science showing vaccine safety. We know that the vaccine was essential in reducing the risk of death when there were no treatment options, hospitals were overflowing with COVID cases, and the number of deaths exceeded our capacity to inter the remains of those lost. But it’s not the only choice.

Today we have options.

Now we have the ability to diagnose new cases early with lab and home tests. We have antiviral medications to disrupt the active virus when taken within the first 5 days of infection. We are starting to connect the dots on long COVID prevention with antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and antidepressant protocols.

That being said, the virus is still dangerous, although it is not causing as many deaths during the acute infection (contagious) stage.

COVID-19 is a neurotropic virus, meaning it affects the brain and central nervous system. This is shown in symptoms like brain fog, tinnitus, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Its less obvious complications include things like multiorgan inflammatory syndrome, hypoxia (low oxygen), irregular heartbeats and other cardiac issues, diabetes, vision changes and more. When the organs or the nerves that control these organs are inflamed, they cannot function.

Concerns:

COVID spreads faster in the winter months when windows are closed and ventilation with fresh air is limited.
Some people are unaware when they have COVID, so they spread it to those in close proximity.
If you are unaware that you have COVID, you will miss the 5-day window for antiviral treatment.
The antiviral treatments are not available everywhere due to shortages and varying regulations by jurisdiction.
Mild COVID infections are often mistaken for allergies or as a “cold”.
Some people do not have enough time off or sick time to allow them to stay home when they are sick.
Some people deny or don’t understand the risks of COVID, so they continue with their normal social, travel, work and school routines.

Weighing the risks of spike protein exposures

Newer variants are more disabling than the first COVID-19 virus, and some of the complications of Long COVID can cause permanent damage or death.

Spike proteins in both the virus and the vaccine cause complications and long COVID.

COVID-19 vaccine spike protein is modified and cannot reproduce in your body. It is metabolized within 48 hours and teaches your body how to respond quickly when you are exposed to COVID-19.

The natural virus contains a fully developed spike protein that replicates hourly in your body for 10-14 days.

Complication risks of both types of spike protein exposures include inflammation, microclotting, brain, organ, cognitive, psychological, and nerve damage that will be permanent in and estimated 30-50% of those infected.

Hypothesis: Those who experience Long COVID or complications from the vaccine would likely have had more severe complications after 14 days of viral replication during the acute infection. The vaccine introduces a small, controlled exposure can minimize the risk and severity of damage to your brain and body.

Plot twist: This decision becomes difficult when someone already has Long COVID related clusters of symptoms related to spike protein exposure.

Outside influences like the news cycle, peer pressure, and social media that thrive on driving up their ratings by creating fear make it difficult to make a sound decision based on facts.

CDC updates on the following adverse events from vaccines:

Anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination is rare and has occurred at a rate of approximately 5 cases per one million vaccine doses administered.

Anaphylaxis, a severe type of allergic reaction, can occur after any kind of vaccination. If it happens, healthcare providers can effectively and immediately treat the reaction. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

CDC scientists have conducted detailed reviews of cases of anaphylaxis and made the information available to healthcare providers and the public:

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination is rare and has occurred in approximately 4 cases per one million doses administered. TTS is a rare but serious adverse event that causes blood clots in large blood vessels and low platelets (blood cells that help form clots).

A review of reports indicates a causal relationship between the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and TTS. CDC scientists have conducted detailed reviews of TTS cases and made the information available to healthcare providers and the public:

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in people who have received the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is rare. GBS is a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS has largely been reported in men ages 50 years and older.
Based on a recent analysis of data from the Vaccine Safety Datalink, the rate of GBS within the first 21 days following J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination was found to be 21 times higher than after Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines). After the first 42 days, the rate of GBS was 11 times higher following J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis found no increased risk of GBS after Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines). CDC and FDA will continue to monitor for and evaluate reports of GBS occurring after COVID-19 vaccination and will share more information as it becomes available.

Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly. Most cases have been reported after receiving Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines), particularly in male adolescents and young adults.

A review of vaccine safety data in VAERS from December 2020–August 2021 found a small but increased risk of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Over 350 million mRNA vaccines were given during the study period and CDC scientists found that rates of myocarditis were highest following the second dose of an mRNA vaccine among males in the following age groups:

12–15 years (70.7 cases per one million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech)
16–17 years (105.9 cases per one million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech)
18–24 years (52.4 cases and 56.3 cases per million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, respectively)

Multiple studies and reviews of data from vaccine safety monitoring systems continue to show that vaccines are safe. As a result, the agency will refocus enhanced surveillance and safety monitoring efforts toward children and adolescents.

As of December 15, 2022, there have been 1,054 preliminary reports in VAERS among people younger than age 18 years under review for potential cases of myocarditis and pericarditis. Of these, 246 remain under review. Through confirmation of symptoms and diagnostics by provider interview or review of medical records, 702 reports have been verified to meet CDC’s working case definition for myocarditis. See below for counts of verified reports of myocarditis by age group.

5-11 years: 23 verified reports of myocarditis after 22,752,091 doses administered
12-15 years: 365 verified reports of myocarditis after 25,531,993 doses administered
16-17 years: 314 verified reports of myocarditis after 13,973,909 doses administered

As the COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for younger children, CDC and FDA will continue to monitor for and evaluate reports of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination and will share more information as it becomes available. Learn more about myocarditis and pericarditis, including clinical considerations, after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Reports of death after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS, even if it’s unclear whether the vaccine was the cause.

Reports of adverse events to VAERS following vaccination, including deaths, do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem. More than 660 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the United States from December 14, 2020, through December 14, 2022. During this time, VAERS received 18,007 preliminary reports of death (0.0027%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine. CDC and FDA clinicians review reports of death to VAERS including death certificates, autopsy, and medical records. Continued monitoring has identified nine deaths causally associated with J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. CDC and FDA continue to review reports of death following COVID-19 vaccination and update information as it becomes available.

As people travel, work and go to school, COVID-19 vaccination and prevention strategies continue to be our best defense against severe disease requiring hospitalization:

Consider whether or not a vaccine or booster is right for you.
If the vaccine is not for you, check your area resources and make a plan for early intervention for when you get the virus.
Consider wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose when in indoor public places.
Whenever possible, keep a distance from people who don't live with you.
Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Consider self-testing before indoor gatherings.
If you are sick or have symptoms, stay home.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.

With proven prevention strategies, we can protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends. The vaccine and home test are currently offered free of charge in the U.S. If you need info on how or where to get the vaccine or booster, follow this link: CDC How Do I Find a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster?

There is a lot to consider when making choices around vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective but carry a risk of developing long COVID issues. The virus carries higher risks. Please talk to your doctor, consider your personal health concerns and your daily exposure risks before making a decision. If you choose not to vaccinate or boost, look into your local resources and check on the availability for the medications used to treat COVID infections.

Things you can do to help yourself

Minimizing physical & psychological stressors is essential in recovery from Long COVID.

Nutrition: Try to eat protein and fresh vitamin rich foods daily and avoid chemicals, preservatives, sugars, fast foods, prepared foods and high histamine foods.
Don’t skip meals. Your body needs protein , vitamin C, and vitamin D to heal from any injury or illness. A low histamine or low carbohydrate (sugar) diet is recommended by doctors treating Long COVID (PASC), and many people report a reduction in symptoms within 1-3 days of the diet change, including decreases in sneezing, itching or hives, irritable bowel syndrome, body pain, along with a reduction in swelling and inflammation.
Hydration: A minimum of eight 8 oz glasses of plain water daily is recommended.
Avoid drinks with chemical additives. You can easily make a fresh electrolyte drink yourself by adding a dash of mineral rich Epsom salt and a piece a fruit like a raspberry for flavor instead of spending money on commercial drinks like Gatorade that contain chemicals and sit in plastic bottles for long periods of time. Remember that caffeine and alcohol have dehydrating effects.
Sleep hygiene: Getting 7-9 hours of sleep so your body can repair itself. You need at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep to get into the restorative phase of sleep.
Avoid stimulating activities after dinner like thrilling movies or books, arguments, negative news or frustrating stimuli.
If you wake up frequently or with a startle, you may be experiencing drops in your oxygen level, which signal your brain to release adrenaline to force you to take a breath. This could be a temporary inflammation issue or more enduring sleep apnea. Ask your doctor for a sleep study to evaluate your need for a CPAP or BiPAP, a machine that pushes air into your lungs when it senses an apneic episode (periods of not breathing).
Stress management: Stress affects every component of your life.
The only thing you can control about stress is your reaction to it. Try to avoid or minimize your exposure to stressful situations: Turn off the news, make family visits that end unpleasantly short, wait for the morning to have intense discussions, let go of things that annoy you but don’t really matter in the big scheme of things, avoid intense conversations or entertainment in the evening.
Exercise within tolerance: Pace yourself and do not push your body to extremes in any way.
For some this may mean seated breathing exercises, walking to the mailbox. Rest when your body says to slow down. Gradually build on your activity endurance as your body cues you to progress. This can be hard to gauge, because when you feel good you naturally do more, but if you do too much you may experience symptom flare ups 1-3 days later as the post exertion inflammation builds. Some people describe this as post exertional malaise, others experience severe recovery set backs.
Breathwork: You can literally stop the fight or flight reaction by taking slow deep breaths.
Deep slow breathing shuts down the adrenaline flow, slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure and decreases stress related histamine release. When you do this, your blood reroutes back to your brain and nervous system to allow you to think clearly. It also allows your body to use its energy and oxygen to heal your inflamed nerves and organs.

Long COVID Support

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Brought to you by covidCAREgroup, connecting the dots of long COVID through education, research and resources.

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