COVID isn't going anywhere anytime soon. For me, I'll continue getting them indefinitely, regardless of whether my employer mandates them or not. You have a higher chance of long COVID each time you contract it, so if vaccines decrease that risk, it's a no brainer IMO.

[–] MedicPigBabySaver@lemmy.world -1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm aware that Covid is a permanent pest in our rotation of illnesses. I personally will wait until science settles on a combo flu/covid vaccine that should provide widest variant coverage.

[–] Chobbes@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

Any reason to hold off? If you react badly to the shots, I can understand that, but otherwise there’s little harm in getting the shots you can get now, and if a combo vaccine ever does come out you can get that then :). Seems the science is saying more boosters is probably better, which makes sense, so I’m going for them personally. I figure even if the booster knocks me on my ass the real disease would be worse. It’s your decision ultimately, and I’m happy you got vaccinated and boosted in the first place, but if you don’t react poorly to it I say go for it! Might as well get all of the advantages you can :).

[–] nulluser@programming.dev 5 points 10 months ago

Just like the flu, the virus is mutating. Boosters may not always target the newest mutation, but they're closer to it than the previous year's booster. Further, over time your immune system will gradually "forget" how to fight viruses it hasn't seen in a long time. Both of these are each reason enough to get annual vaccinations for COVID and the flu.

[–] Wrench@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

My wife's family (including her) are all sick with covid. That's 5 people. They all skipped this year's booster (due to negligence), and I was the only one to take it.

My wife was the first to test positive on the 26th, I of course spent the most time with her, went to all the same gatherings, hugs, etc. I have spent hours (masked up) in urgent care and ER, in enclosed spaces like cars and homes, taking care of her and her parents. I have tested negative daily.

The boosters work. Please, for you and your loved ones that would be burdened should you need serious care, keep up with the boosters.

I'm fucking exhausted.

[–] MedicPigBabySaver@lemmy.world -1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm glad you dodged it this time. Hopefully you miss it going forward. I've also been in close contact with known positives. I'm negative.

I'm just not convinced of the necessity of additional boosters until the time that everyone gets onboard with the same idea of a one vaccine to cover flu & Covid.

[–] Wrench@lemmy.world 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

There's not going to be one vaccine to rule them all (with the current tech). Covid, just like the flu, is widely distributed and mutates quickly. The boosters every year target specific strains that they think will be prominent during high season (now).

Every year, expect new boosters that target different strains from the previous year. The viruses evolve, and so must the vaccines.

[–] MedicPigBabySaver@lemmy.world -1 points 10 months ago

Yeah, I grasp the concept. Just like the flu shot being a gamble of which strain will be most prevalent.

I know Moderna is in clinical trials for a one shot combo.

As you can read... I'm just not convinced I need another booster. You should be glad I'm 4 deep. There are millions at zero or 2.

[–] drdiddlybadger@pawb.social 2 points 10 months ago

Any particular reason why? I know some folk react badly to the shot.