What to expect when you're expecting a booster shot

A year and a half ago, Washington state residents were scrambling to get their first two doses of the original Covid-19 vaccines. Vaccine hunter groups on Facebook and Twitter were very active, sharing locations about extra doses and open appointments. Some locals even drove as far away as Canada to get their first shots.

Boosters went into arms in late 2021, versions for children under 5 were released earlier this year, and we're not done yet.

An updated booster shot that targets the Omicron Covid-19 subvariants, as well as the original strain of the virus, will soon be available. Getting one of these new shots should be possible in King County starting this week.

Anyone 12 and older can get the updated shots, although there are a couple of stipulations around when someone is eligible. People must have completed their primary vaccine series first and a person who receives the vaccine has to be at least two months out from their last booster dose.

In addition, if you've just had Covid, public health officials are recommending that you wait three months before getting this booster to really get the maximum benefit from it.

King County Health is specifically encouraging those at greater risk of Covid-19 to get the new booster, including older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.

"Although no one wants to hear it," said King County Health's Dr. Jeff Duchin, "it's clear that Covid-19 is not disappearing. It is changing. It appears less severe in important ways. But it's persistent. It's insidious. And it remains somewhat unpredictable."

KUOW's Kate Walters spoke with Soundside about the rollout of the new COVID-19 booster shots in King County and what to expect if you are trying to get one.