Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit countries across the globe, it was followed by mass vaccination programs. A large population was vigorously vaccinated to control the spread of this deadly coronavirus. Recently, a new trend in COVID vaccination has become immensely popular. After getting fully vaccinated, people are curious about the booster dose.
What it is, who should get it and from where one can get the booster dose in Pakistan and many other questions are doing rounds.
Let’s answer these questions about booster dose!
Table of Contents
What is Booster Dose?
A booster dose or booster shot is an additional dose of any vaccine that was given before. The purpose of the booster dose is to enhance the effectiveness of an already given vaccination or primary vaccine.
This is because over time the impact of primary vaccines began to decrease which increased the risk of contracting the infection. Here, the booster dose does the job right by restoring the immunization.
A booster dose, as said earlier, is given after the primary dose. This exactly goes in the case of the coronavirus vaccine. Based on the vaccine you were primarily given, you can get the booster dose in Pakistan.
Who is Eligible for Booster Dose in Pakistan?
According to the Government of Pakistan, the following people are eligible for booster dose in Pakistan.
- All citizens of Pakistan who are above 18 years of age and are primarily vaccinated for coronavirus
- People who are immunocompromised no matter what age they are
- Frontline workers in the healthcare industry
- People who require booster doses for travel requirements.
How Many Booster Doses are Required?
Generally, one booster is considered enough that is given after 6 months of primary vaccination. However, sometimes two booster doses can be given based on the travel requirements. In the case of two booster doses, there is a gap of almost 21-28 days based on the individual’s requirements.
Which Vaccine is Used as Booster Dose in Pakistan?
Several vaccines are used as primary COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines either single or dual shot, are recommended for use among patients of various age groups. Recommended COVID vaccines in Pakistan included AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.
One may receive the same vaccine as the booster dose. However, there is no restriction as other vaccines can also be used as the booster dose. This completely depends upon the availability of the vaccine at the moment.
Read more about PCR test price in Pakistan.
How to Get Booster Dose in Pakistan?
Here is the step-by-step procedure for getting a booster dose in Pakistan.
1- No matter if you are looking to get the booster dose in Lahore or Karachi, the first thing is to determine your eligibility. You can find the details in the section above.
2- Secondly, you need to head to your nearest corona vaccination center (CVC) with your (CNIC) computerized national identity card.
3- Then, you will get the form and after filling it you can get your booster dose
How to Update your Vaccination Status after getting Booster Dose in Pakistan?
Now after getting the booster dose, you need to get your vaccination status updated in the National Immunization Management System (NIMS) database after getting the dose. It will take a few days to update your data.
You can check your vaccination status by sending your CNIC number on 1166.
However, if your data doesn’t get updated, immediately contact your vaccination center or call 1166.
How to Get Your Updated Vaccination Certificate after receiving booster dose in Pakistan?
As evidence, you may need to get your COVID vaccination certificate updated. You can get it updated from NIMS official site. Other than this, you can download the PAK Covid-19 Vaccination Pass application for updating the vaccination status.
Read more about COVID-19 NIMS NADRA vaccination certificate in Pakistan.
Bottom Line!
For people who have already received the covid vaccine doses, booster doses can help to enhance their immunity further. Based on the eligibility criteria one may get one or two additional doses as the booster dose. AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm and Sinovac can be used as booster doses in Pakistan. After getting the shot, make sure to get your vaccination status updated in the NIMS database and acquire your updated vaccination certificate as well.
