Hey friends! So, let’s dive into the latest scoop on COVID-19 vaccine immunity. On November 19, the head of the CDC gave a thumbs up to the FDA’s recommendation to open up COVID-19 booster shots to all adults who received their Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines at least six months ago. If you got the Johnson & Johnson shot, you’ve been able to get a booster for a while now, two months after your initial dose. With rising infection rates and new studies emerging, these booster recommendations come at a crucial time.
CDC director Jamie Parker commented, “Booster shots have shown effectiveness in safely enhancing protection against infections and severe outcomes, making them a key public health strategy as we head into the holiday season.”
Now, here’s the kicker: while the CDC didn’t declare that all 18 to 49-year-olds must get a booster, they made it clear that anyone in that age group can choose to get one. Those aged 50 to 64 are now encouraged to get a booster, whereas previously, it was only recommended for those with underlying conditions. And for folks over 64, the CDC has been clear: go get that booster, regardless of your health status.
So, why the sudden push for boosters? It boils down to waning vaccine immunity. Yep, you heard it right.
What is Waning Vaccine Immunity?
“Waning vaccine immunity” is a fancy way of saying that over time, vaccines can become less effective at warding off diseases. For instance, right after getting the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, its efficacy against symptomatic infection is around 90%. But according to a study from England, by twenty weeks post-vaccination, that drops to about 70%. The Moderna vaccine shows similar trends. The U.S. studies have shown Pfizer’s effectiveness against the Delta variant taking a nosedive to just over 50% within 20 weeks. Ouch, Pfizer!
But here’s some good news: both U.S. and Canadian research indicates that Pfizer and Moderna still provide strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID. So while we’re seeing a dip in immunity, it’s not the end of the world. Remember, the main goal of the COVID vaccine isn’t to keep you from catching the virus; it’s to prevent severe illness and death. Melissa Turner, a public health expert, emphasizes, “The primary purpose of the COVID vaccine is to prevent serious disease, and it’s still doing a commendable job at that.”
What’s This Mean for Winter Gatherings?
While waning immunity isn’t ideal, it poses a challenge as we face a winter season filled with gatherings. We not only have to worry about unvaccinated individuals, but also those who believe they don’t need a booster. This can lead to an increase in COVID cases being passed around. Dr. Sam Johnson warns that waning immunity, coupled with the Delta variant, could lead to more breakthrough infections, even among the vaccinated.
As we prepare for a holiday season with family and friends, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential risks. You could have people with waning immunity mingling with unvaccinated individuals, all while enjoying a festive meal. Cases are already climbing back up to about 80,000 a day, the highest in a month, and hospitalizations are increasing again.
Given this, it’s crucial not just to promote vaccination but also to encourage boosters. Dr. Johnson mentions, “How effectively we roll out a booster program will be key this winter.”
Three Vaccines as the New Standard?
Dr. Johnson believes that eventually, a third shot may become a regular part of our vaccination routine, rather than seen as an optional booster. “I think a third shot should be considered part of the standard regimen, not just an add-on. We’ll look back and see boosters as essential for optimal immunity,” he said.
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In summary, while waning vaccine immunity is a concern, the vaccines are still effective at preventing severe illness. It’s important to stay informed and consider boosters as we navigate the upcoming winter season.
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