MONTGOMERY, Ala. — We're learning the Pfizer vaccine will likely require a booster shot after the second dose within twelve months, and the Moderna vaccine may require a booster also.
Moderna announced its vaccination is more than 90% effective at protection for at least six months.
Alabama Department of Public Health's Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Karen Landers, says the vaccines right now do appear to be effective against the variants.
However, she says the boosters could manage any emerging variants.
"I think whether a person receives Pfizer or Moderna, it's not going to be the driving factor in booster vaccination. I think if booster vaccination is recommended for mRNA vaccines that both companies will likely recommend that and receive authorization for that," says Assistant State Health Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Karen Landers.
Landers says the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine are neck and neck in doses administered in the state so far.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus.
The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC.
If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine.
Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health.