Eligible adults are able to choose any authorized COVID-19 booster.

While COVID-19 is a new virus, the idea of booster shots isnt.

Verywell spoke to experts about the use of booster shots for other routine vaccines you may be familiar with.

Older man looking at his arm where he was vaccinated.

Jasmin Merdan / Getty Images

Most vaccines that are given in the U.S. require several doses to render immunity, Gallagher tells Verywell.

I like to think of [a COVID-19 vaccine booster] as the third dose of a multi-dose series.

But other types, like inactivated vaccines, will need several doses over time to remain effective.

Boosters are currently recommended for several vaccineschances are youve likely received one in your lifetime.

Youre recommended to get others, like the flu shot, annually.

You start receiving boosters at an early age, Langland notes.

Thats where boosters come in.

Additional doses help amplify the bodys immune response.

The boosters help the immune system learn about the virus better and better each time a booster is received.

If youre immunocompromised, talk to your doctor aboutgetting an additional dose or booster now.

For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.

Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC endorses ACIPs updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC recommends additional boosters for certain individuals.

Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?