As the last booster shot for the majority of Americans appears to be either more than six months or nearing six months’ time frame, many wonder if they still retain immunity against the Coronavirus. One question that I have been asked multiple times at social gatherings is ‘Am I done with vaccination for Covid-19?’. The answer to this question is NO.
We will not likely ever be done with vaccinations for Covid-19 and we will need to keep our immunization status updated, as new variants sprout and our immune systems indicate weakness with low immunity status.
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a fourth booster shot of both Pfizer and Moderna, for people over 50 years of age. This will soon be available and all individuals in this age bracket are encouraged to get this shot if their last booster shot has been more than four months ago.
Many debate whether only 65 and above should go for it but the recent Food and Drug Administration approval for 50 years and above approval even without consultation of their independent panel of experts, indicates that there is an immediate and urgent need to boost the immune system of a larger age bracket.
This step has been taken to give extra protection to a vulnerable population just in case there is a new wave of Coronavirus with new variants like BA.2 or Omicron. Previously the Food and Drug Administration had approved the fourth booster shot for only 12 years and older with a very weak, vulnerable immune system, and now it has stated that this group may need an additional fifth dose to keep immunity strong.
The data of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the number of Covid-19 cases are at its all-time low after the winter surge with Omicron, and about two thirds of Americans have gotten their two initial doses and a booster dose of Covid-19 vaccination. The recommendation by Food and Drug Administration for a fourth shot is a precaution to prevent a new surge in Covid-19 cases.
Data shared by other countries like Israel indicates that populations receiving a fourth booster shot definitely showed fewer positive cases compared to populations without a fourth shot.
The data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that during the highly infectious US Omicron wave, two doses of Covid-19 vaccination were 80% effective against hospitalization requiring the use of a ventilator, and a third booster shot raised the effectiveness to 94%. Those in the immunocompromised group without a third booster shot demonstrated vaccine efficacy of only 74%.
These are encouraging numbers further emphasizing the need to keep the immune system strong with multiple layers of defense and prevent deaths from Coronavirus. Research so far indicates that immunity from vaccination starts wearing off after six months or so, and the vulnerable elderly population should plan on getting a fourth booster shot.
Time will eventually tell as to how many more booster shots may be needed and for how long each booster shot will impart immunity. Presently it remains our responsibility to follow guidance of the regulatory authorities and get our booster shots when recommended to do so. This will be our civil duty to keep each other protected from this deadly, severely-infectious virus which has established a record of causing one of the worst pandemics in history.