The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says if you need help scheduling your booster shot, you should contact the location that set up your previous appointment. If you need to get your booster shot in a location different from where you received your previous shot, there are several ways you can find a vaccine provider. You can do so by going to <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/How-Do-I-Get-a-COVID-19-Vaccine.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2067-DM72434&ACSTrackingLabel=We%20Have%20the%20Tools%20to%20Fight%20Omicron%20%20%7C%20COVID-19&deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM72434>.

You should bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card to your booster shot appointment so your provider can fill in the information about your booster dose. If you did not receive a card at your first appointment, contact the vaccination site where you received your first shot or your state health department to find out how you can get a card.

The CDC says you may experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. You can find out specifics about the side effects at <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_2067-DM72434&ACSTrackingLabel=We%20Have%20the%20Tools%20to%20Fight%20Omicron%20%20%7C%20COVID-19&deliveryName=USCDC_2067-DM72434>.