booster shot

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablemedical

   An extra dose of a vaccine given some time after the first doses to keep protection strong.

   Grammar: Usually used with get or receive: I got a booster shot.

   Patterns

   • get a booster shot
   • a booster shot against something

   Adults need a tetanus booster shot every ten years.

   She got her flu booster shot at the pharmacy.

   The clinic is offering a booster shot to everyone over sixty.

2. 2nouncountablefigurativeinformal

   Something that gives renewed energy, confidence or strength to a person or effort.

   Grammar: Usually figurative and followed by for: a booster shot for the economy.

   Patterns

   • a booster shot for something
   • give something a booster shot

   The win was a booster shot for the team's confidence.

   A small tax cut gave the economy a booster shot.

   Her kind note was a booster shot on a bad day.

Word forms

Common combinations

get a booster shot

Remember to get a booster shot before you travel.

receive a booster shot

Children receive a booster shot before starting school.

a flu booster shot

The nurse gave him a flu booster shot.

schedule a booster shot

I scheduled a booster shot for next week.

a booster shot of confidence

The coach's praise was a booster shot of confidence.

Synonyms and how they differ

booster

It is shorter and just as common, and can stand alone once the topic is clear.

booster dose

It is more formal and common in medical or public-health writing.

top-up

It is more casual and British, and can refer to anything refilled, not only vaccines.

Word family

boost verb

to increase or improve something

boost noun

an increase or improvement

booster noun

something that gives extra strength or effect

vaccination noun

the act of giving a vaccine

Commonly confused: booster shot or first dose?

Practice

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