5 questions about the third dose of Covid-19 vaccine

From November 27, 2021, all adults over 18 are eligible for a booster dose of the Covid vaccine. In a notice published on November 25, 2021, the High Authority for Health (HAS) recommended reducing the time between a first complete vaccination schedule and the booster dose to five months. Previously it was six months, but in view of the acceleration of theepidemic, the HAS believes that we must react quickly. Following these announcements, the Doctolib site was taken by storm and the once empty appointment calendars are now full in some cities. We take stock of the conditions of this vaccine booster.

Who can receive the booster dose?

All adults over 18 years of age, and all the more so if they are considered to be at risk of severe forms, immunocompromised or suffering from co-morbidities. This recall does not apply to children.

Which vaccines?

This booster dose will necessarily be given with a MRNA, that of Moderna and Pfizer, even for people immunized with another formula initially. Pfizer’s vaccine is recommended for everyone, but Moderna’s vaccine is not recommended for people under the age of 30.

How long after the first vaccination schedule?

For all adults over 18 years of age, the booster dose should be taken five months after the primary vaccination. For those vaccinated with the Janssen formula, which works with a single dose, the booster can be done as early as four weeks after the initial injection.

Where to get vaccinated?

The booster dose is administered in a vaccination, but also among pharmacists, midwives and nurses, and general practitioners. People in retirement homes do not need to travel, the injection of the booster is organized directly by the healthcare team.

The validity of the health pass?

The validity of the health pass is conditioned on this booster dose. For those over 65, the pass will no longer be active as of December 15, 2021 if the booster dose has not been given seven months after the first complete vaccination schedule or the last infection. For those under 65, the health pass will no longer be valid from January 15 if the booster dose is not performed five months after the primary vaccination. The PCR tests will only be valid for 24 hours, instead of 72 hours, starting November 29.

The government is putting the pressure on people already convinced of the usefulness of anti-Covid vaccines when a significant part of the population is still unvaccinated. However, people admitted to intensive care are for the most part unvaccinated. Barrier gestures must always be observed, even after the vaccination booster. Wearing a mask and ventilating the interiors are good habits to keep in order to spend the end of the year celebrations in the best conditions.