Photo courtesy: The New York Times
Vaccines saved millions of lives at the height of the global pandemic as it is free and accessible to ensure public safety. Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot were given, leaving people to wonder, “Is it necessary for another booster shot?”
The omicron subvariant BA.2 has been rampant in several countries like the USA, with reports on highly contagious 55 percent of new infections. The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control Prevention conducted a study on how the waning of immunity covers a role in the pandemic, making it justifiable to pro-create another booster shot.
Several studies are needed to ensure more information on the fourth vaccine, but some published papers show how it can boost immunity, especially in vulnerable groups.
Dr. William Haseltine, president and health expert of ACCESS Health International said the research showed that the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine provided another boost to antibody levels, which would be most beneficial to the risk groups such as people with obesity, immune deficiency, and asthma.
“It [second booster shot] is especially important to ages 65 above and age 50 plus with underlying health conditions," said ABC News, implying that the fourth vaccine has a specific scope of targets.
Dr. Peter Marks, FDA Director, told the press, "If it’s been at least four months since you have been vaccinated with your first booster dose, you should consider getting another booster shot.”
Recently, the FDA granted emergency use authorization (EUA) on the second COVID-19 booster and led the Department of Health (DOH) to declare that healthcare workers and the elderly may now receive their second booster shot for COVID-19.
As we adapt to novel changes with vaccines, there are speculations on the right time and way for us to get the booster shot.
People are now debating if the booster shot is necessary and mandatory; however, taking another jab now falls to one's own decision. Since most people have been vaccinated, we must keep a firm mind that public health safety is also an individual responsibility.
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