The FDA has authorized the COVID-19 booster vaccine for 12-15 year olds, which can be taken 5 months after the second shot of the original vaccine. For many students such as freshman Lavanya Ajith, the booster’s approval was something to look forward to.

“I decided to take the booster as fast as I could because I want to keep me and everyone else around me safe,” she said. “I think it’s important to keep all of my friends and family safe from the virus as well as degrading the symptoms of COVID-19 if I get it.” 

According to the CDC, taking the booster can “prevent severe illness and hospitalization.” For UT Southwestern physician Vidushi Golla, the effects of not being vaccinated can be seen within hospitals.

“Many of the patients that have begun to pile in due to Omicron haven’t been vaccinated, which is always really challenging for our workforce,” Golla said. “We have been short-staffed due to a lot of our staff getting the virus, but those that have taken the vaccine booster haven’t felt as severe of symptoms from those that haven’t taken it.”

However, for some students within the district, taking another dose of the vaccine may need to be held off temporarily.

“I scheduled my appointment for the near future, but due to the side effects I want to take it when I know it’s safe for me,” freshman Janhavi Swaminathan said. “I’m still going to get it, as I have been vaccinated since early July, but I just need to finish all of my priorities and let other people take the vaccine first.”