Many are awaiting for an extra layer of protection against COVID-19, but according to Dr. Fauci, these people could benefit from it most.
As the pandemic progresses and the Delta variant reaches more and more people, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections, appeared on TODAY to discuss the possibility of booster shots. Many are anxious to get these shots, which have yet to be approved.
“No vaccine, at least not within this category, is going to have an indefinite amount of protection,” said Dr. Fauci. “Inevitably, there will be a time when we’ll have to give boosts.”
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Despite this, public health officials are only recommending booster shots for people with compromised immune systems. Dr. Fauci said that, according to the evidence that’s currently available, scientists at the CDC don’t believe boosters are absolutely necessary for all people. Per CNN, the FDA is expected to approve booster shots for immunocompromised people as soon as this week.
Those with compromised immune systems tend to produce less protection against the virus due to their weakened immunity, although this doesn’t apply to everyone. Immunocompromised people who developed poor responses to the vaccine might need the booster shot more than anyone else, using the extra shot as a way to help them develop a response to the vaccine similar to the response that the majority of the population had.
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When it comes to the rest of the population, the CDC needs more time not only to understand the effect of the vaccine, but to notice any trends that may signal the vaccine is losing its effectiveness. Another factor that could be improved with a booster shot would be a new variant that is no longer protected by the original vaccine. As of now, we should wait more before panicking and making any rash decisions.
