Mailbag: Should You Get a Vaccine Booster?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted November 14, 2023

“Do I really need to get a new COVID shot? I already have the first one.”

– Carol from Cape Coral, FL

Dear Carol,

You’re not alone. It can be difficult to decide whether or not to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

So, let’s look at some things I advise patients to consider before getting a vaccine.

The first thing to understand is that while some risks are associated with taking any vaccine, they’re typically minimal and usually outweighed by the advantages.

Just like the cold and flu virus, COVID-19 is mutating all the time. The vaccine you already had may still reduce your risk of getting sick. But it may not, depending on the variant you’re exposed to and how well your body responds to infections.

The advice from the CDC and medical associations is clear: you should get every COVID-19 booster as it becomes available.

So, how do you decide what’s right for you?

There are a few things I tell my patients to consider…

• All infections (cold, flu, and COVID-19) will cause the most harm to people who aren’t healthy to begin with. People with preexisting conditions suffer more often from opportunistic infections. If you have an ongoing chronic health issue (heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, etc.), it’s probably a good idea to get the vaccine.
• If you’re often around large numbers of people (such as at church, football games, work, airports, or places where people are always coming and going), then it’s also a good idea to get a COVID-19 booster.
• If getting COVID would put someone ELSE who is vulnerable… such as someone who is elderly, very young, or immunosuppressed… getting the updated vaccine is also a good idea.

Take those considerations and put them into your own calculator, and then talk the decision about getting a COVID-19 booster over with your doctor or another health professional.

And WHATEVER you decide, there are some steps anyone can take to reduce their risk of catching ANY viral infection:

• Wash your hands often. We typically touch our faces dozens of times a day. And when we do, we can transfer whatever’s on our hands… viruses included… to our mouth or nose.
• Avoid crowds when possible.
• Wear a mask. Masks have been contentious, but they work. Studies show they’re effective at reducing the amount of virus that enters the body, reducing your risk of getting sick.
• Stay healthy. This is where my readers really shine. Everyone hears this advice, but most people don’t take it to heart. To keep your immune system firing on all cylinders, be sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.

Ultimately, getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine will be a personal decision. But there are a lot of good arguments for a booster.

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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