Pfizer research shows the key to mitigating the Omicron variant is booster shots, but in Louisiana, only about one in five of those who are fully vaccinated have taken the third jab according to Louisiana Department of Health stats. That’s partly a function of ongoing vaccine hesitancy, but anecdotal evidence shows many non-vaccine skeptics are procrastinating over fears of losing a day of productivity to post-shot symptoms.
It’s a busy time of year and many full vaccinated adults have told WWL they’d get the shot if they could only fit it into their schedules, or if they had sick days through their work. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Infectious Disease Dr. Julio Figeroua told WWL he knows you’ve got a lot on your plate right now, but if you plan on being social this holiday season you shouldn't procrastinate.
“It takes a little while for the booster to kind of take effect so if you are going to try to do the holidays in a safer fashion this would be the time to do it,” said Figueroa.
LDH reports 17 to 16 likely Omicron variant cases have been discovered in Louisiana so far, nine of which are in the Greater New Orleans area.
Figueroa said just because you felt some soreness or mild flu-like symptoms after your first or second shot doesn’t mean you’ll be under the weather after your booster.
“Some folks have had rougher times after their first or second shots compared to their third, other individuals had a little more symptoms after their thirds, so it’s highly variable,” said Figueroa who added that the majority of people who get vaccinated don’t feel much in the way of ill effects at all afterward.
Suffering anything more than arm soreness or temporary flu/hangover-like symptoms the next day is extremely rare per LDH and CDC numbers.
If your employer does offer sick days one move to consider is to talk to your boss about preemptively taking a sick day the day after your booster. Figueroa says it may not even be needed, but it could be a good idea.
“If you have the ability to do that, I think it could certainly be prudent, particularly if it leaves you with more comfort to get the vaccine,” said Figueroa.
