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Charlotte woman participates in clinical trial for Pfizer booster shot

CHARLOTTE — A COVID-19 booster shot is not needed currently -- but it might be someday.

Across the country, 10,000 people are participating in a Pfizer trial to see how it works out. South Charlotte resident Shannon Weatherly is one of those participants.

“I don’t want to die from something that is preventable,” she said.

Weatherly has been fully vaccinated longer than most. She participated in the original Pfizer trial in September and her antibodies are still strong.

“I feel very protected against COVID and any variant that comes up,” she said. “I will just keep following the science.”

[Do you need a COVID-19 vaccine booster? What to know about booster shots]

If one day down the road it is advised that people should roll up their sleeve for a third time, Weatherly said do not panic.

“Boosters are normal, and I think we need to not be having a conversation about whether or not we will be getting a booster. I think the question is when do we need it?” she said. “When is it appropriate to get a booster?”

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The Pfizer trial is a blind study, so Weatherly doesn’t know for certain whether she got the third dose or a placebo, though she thinks she got the real thing because of minor arm soreness at the injection site.

(WATCH BELOW: Fauci says COVID-19 booster likely needed within year of vaccination)