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What Are Booster Shots and How Do They Improve Vaccine Effectiveness?
A booster shot helps “boost” your antibody levels for longer-lasting protection.
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on May 30, 2024While many vaccines are a “one-and-done” scenario, others may require a booster shot. You may have heard this before in regards to tetanus boosters or COVID-19 boosters.
Essentially, vaccines trigger your body to produce antibodies. They also help your body recognize this specific illness so that if you were to contract it, your body would be primed to fight it. But over time, antibodies can thin out and viruses can mutate. In cases like this, boosters can help produce those antibodies, and help your body fight against mutated variants.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Tetanus vaccination.
View All References (1)
MedlinePlus. (2022). Vaccines.
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