Recent findings indicate that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time, particularly with the emergence of the Delta variant. While being vaccinated remains crucial in reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, new studies suggest that this protection is not as robust as it once was.
Two new studies from the CDC provide valuable insights into vaccine performance against the Delta variant. One report examined COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles from May 1 to July 25, 2021, revealing that 25.3% of infections occurred in fully vaccinated individuals, while 71.4% were in unvaccinated persons. The second study focused on healthcare workers and showed that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approximately 90% effective in preventing infections before the Delta variant became prevalent. In contrast, their effectiveness has dropped to about 66% in the current Delta-dominated environment. Experts estimate that when considering all factors, the overall efficacy of these vaccines is around 80%.
In response to these findings, the CDC and the White House are planning to roll out booster doses starting September 20, 2021, recommending a third shot for those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines eight months after their second dose. Additionally, there is anticipation that those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine may also require a booster, pending results from ongoing clinical trials.
The initial recipients of booster shots are expected to include nursing home residents, healthcare workers, and essential personnel, followed by older Americans and individuals with underlying health conditions. Health officials advise that individuals should receive the same vaccine for their booster as they did for their initial doses.
The CDC’s recent statement highlights a concerning trend: “We are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease.” This implies that the current defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death may weaken over the coming months, particularly among those at higher risk or who were vaccinated early in the rollout. President John Carter emphasized, “The booster shot will enhance your immune response and boost your protection from COVID-19.”
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Summary
Recent CDC studies reveal that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness declines over time, particularly against the Delta variant. As a response, booster doses are set to be administered beginning September 20, 2021, targeting those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. Health officials stress the importance of boosting immunity to maintain protection against severe disease.
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