Massachusetts resident Preston Alexander, 66, was elated when he found out last week he was eligible to receive a booster dose of Pfizer and BioNTech‘s Covid-19 vaccine.

Alexander lost his wedding business to the influenza pandemic and was concerned about his protection. After CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off Friday on boosters for a wide array of Americans, including those age 65 and older, he immediately called his local pharmacy to set up an appointment.

He said that the videographer and photographer regularly attended large weddings and parties with between 200 and 300 guests.

He said that he was not willing to expose himself to other people when they don’t even wear masks or dance on the dancefloor like 1999. On Saturday, he got his third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine.

Four people interviewed by CNBC – among the first Americans to receive booster shots in the United States – said they got the extra doses over the fear that they could expose themselves or their loved ones to the delta variant and become severely sick.

There has been an increase in U.S. hospitalizations due to the strain, mostly among those who are not vaccinated. Still, some vaccinated Americans have suffered so-called breakthrough infections and just over 19,000 of them – less than 1% – have been hospitalized or died with Covid as of Sept. 20, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to scientists, vaccine immunity against infections generally wanes six months after the first shot. Officials from the U.S. health department hope that a growing population will provide long-term, durable protection against serious disease, hospitalization, and death. Chile and Israel have also begun to offer third doses for many citizens.

Walensky approved a number of recommendations including the distribution of shots to adults and older Americans with underlying conditions within six months of their initial series of immunizations. The agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices rejected the same request, so Walensky also approved booster shots to be given to high-risk employees and students in higher-risk workplaces and institutions.

This policy will enable third doses for approximately 60 million people. 20 million are immediately eligible, because the highly contagious Delta variant is still spreading across the United States.

Alexander from Massachusetts stated that he considered the additional doses a blessing. Alexander noted that the effects of the third Pfizer shot had similar side effects to those he felt after his first and second doses.

He said that he didn’t anticipate anything serious when he received his booster. I had pain in my right arm for about a week. It was painless. There were no fatigues, headaches, or other symptoms. There is an amazing sense of tranquility and security.

The booster shot was also reported by three other individuals who said that they experienced no side effects and felt more relaxed after receiving it.

Karen Cobb, Sanbornton, New Hampshire, looks after her granddaughters, aged two and four. She said that she had gotten a booster shot on Sunday at her CVS because she was afraid of passing the virus onto her grandchildren who are not eligible to be vaccinated.

“I am the treasurer in my community, so even though everybody was fully vaccinated there was still an outbreak. She said that she was infected with Covid by two women and had been exposed to it myself.

Cobb, who also suffers from autoimmune diseases, said her arm was sore on Monday, and on Tuesday, she suffered from headaches and nausea that lasted through the morning.

She said, “But fortunately I was able to sleep.” She added that she feels better after getting the boost about returning to work.

Wayne Adams (62-year-old Californian) received his Pfizer booster Monday from his Walgreens. Adams, who is suffering from underlying medical conditions, stated that getting the third shot only took 45 minutes and was as painless as the first one.

Adams’ job as a transit worker is essential. “So I couldn’t work from home.” He said that he didn’t wish to take it home with me or my spouse.

His response was that “I would like to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays for my grandchildren and I believe the vaccine is the best thing for them all.”

Alberto Jacinto (29 years old) claimed he was lying to obtain a third dose Pfizer vaccine. He told his pharmacy that he has a preexisting medical condition.

According to him, the reason he wanted to receive a booster was because he was moving from northwest Texas to work. The city has a low vaccine rate. In late August, he found out that CVS had third shot options. He received the extra dose.

He said, “It is a college town. So I was not going to take any chances with the students there.”