As the pandemic continues, the need for Americans to receive their COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is extremely important. The Biden administration warns Americans about rising COVID-19 cases. They predict the virus will infect 100 million people by the fall and winter. Because of this, booster doses are crucial and those eligible should receive their second booster as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster
According to the CDC, only one third of Americans have received their first booster dose. Americans age 50 or older and immunocompromised individuals age 12 and older are eligible to receive their second booster dose, however, only 10 million people have. COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent infection. Individuals that have received at least three doses are the most protected against the virus. As case numbers continue to rise, getting vaccinated and boosted is the best course of action.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters are available for all Americans age 12 and older. Adults that received an mRNA vaccine, Moderna or Pfizer, can receive their booster dose 5 months after their initial doses. On the other hand, adults that received Johnson & Johnson can receive a booster dose 2 months after their initial dose. As a result, individuals that have received three doses of Moderna or Pfizer have low rates of doctor and hospital visits related to COVID-19 infection. Booster doses also protect individuals against more infectious variants, like Omicron.
Additional Booster Dose
New research has shown that an additional, or fourth dose, of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is safe and yields better levels of immunity than a third dose alone. In the study, the second booster had no major side effects, aside from slight arm pain and fatigue. A second booster provides higher levels of antibodies and T-cells. Antibodies help prevent initial infection, whereas T-cells keep COVID-19 from becoming severe if infection does occur. The study also showed that individuals with higher levels of antibodies had a limited response to a fourth dose. This indicates that there may be a maximum effect produced by a second booster.
New COVID-19 Vaccines
As research continues, new COVID-19 vaccines may emerge in hopes of providing increased protection against the virus. In June, the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee will meet to discuss new vaccines as well as an additional booster dose. Although it is difficult to predict the trajectory of the pandemic, cases are rising now. Those who have only received two doses of an mRNA vaccine may be at risk. Therefore, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is the best line of defense as the pandemic continues.
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References:
CNN Health (2022, May 10). Why Covid-19 vaccine boosters may be more important than ever. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/10/health/covid-19-fourth-vaccine-dose-wellness/index.html
