CARY, N.C. — People ages 65 and up will be eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot. It’s a population that may face more health risks if they do get sick.

One man in Cary says he’s all in when it comes to a booster.

What You Need To Know

On Thursday, a panel with the CDC approved COVID-19 booster shots

The eligible groups are people 65 and over as well as those in long-term care facilities

People 18 and up with underlying medical conditions are also eligible

Fillmore Bowen and his wife got the Pfizer vaccine back in March. Fortunately, the vaccine has done what it’s supposed to do: keep the virus at bay. But the two of them love to travel and believe that’s still risky to do during the pandemic.

“The trend is, if you’re 65 and older and you get COVID, you die,” Bowen said.

Instead of traveling, Bowen has been finding other things to occupy his time, including practicing the piano. But he feels even more reassured, now that his age group is eligible for a booster.

“I believe the science,” Bowen said. “So I have no problems, when they say it’s safe and effective, saying, ‘OK.’”

Bowen knows the situation can be confusing as guidelines change.

“North Carolina seems to say one thing, and the FDA seems to say another,” Bowen said.

But he says that’s just the nature of the beast.

“I don’t resent they are having to change the rules as they go along, because they get new data,” Bowen said.

In fact, he thinks COVID-19 boosters may end up being as normal as a flu shot and that’s just fine with him.

“The risk is just too great not to go get the COVID vaccine. I wouldn’t take the risk,” Bowen said.

As for when eligible people should get the booster, the Wake County Health Department says there’s no need to rush to get it, because it still has to finalize its plans locally.

However, it is a good idea to know where your vaccine card is and know the date of your second shot.