Why You Need a COVID-19 Booster Shot
Studies have shown that supporter shots can help restore waning vaccine-convinced immunity and provide protection against a range of COVID-19 variants. Former variants have been shown to reduce the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines currently available, and future variants might as well. While vaccine manufacturers are exploring the possibility of variant-specific vaccines, the most effective way to stay protected against all types of COVID-19 is to get a supporter shot of the vaccines once you are eligible.
Why Do You Need a COVID-19 Booster Shot? Who Is Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Shots? How COVID-19 Booster Shots Work The Role of Variants in Booster Recommendations Understanding Waning Immunity and Its Impact Vaccine Combinations: Do They Matter? Are Variants a Significant Concern? Global Vaccine Access and Its Importance Vaccines Alone Are Not Enough What This Means for You Conclusion
Emergency Authorization of Booster Shots
In September, the FDA granted emergency authorization for a supporter dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but only for select donors. On October 20, the FDA expanded its emergency use authorization to include the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 supporter vaccines. Afterward, the FDA authorized a supporter dose for all adults who completed their original COVID-19 vaccine series and a Pfizer supporter dose for adolescents aged 12 to 17. Eligibility was further expanded to include those aged five years and older.
The CDC recommends a first COVID-19 booster for everyone aged five years and older who:
- Completed the Moderna or Pfizer primary and main vaccine series at least five months before.
- Received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months prior.
According to the CDC, eligible adults can choose any authorized COVID-19 booster. However, it’s recommended that individuals get the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to concerns about blood-clotting side effects. The Johnson & Johnson shot remains an option for those who are not suitable or willing to get a different vaccine. Children aged 5 to 17 who completed Pfizer’s primary shot series are only eligible for the Pfizer booster.
Booster Recommendations for Immunocompromised Individuals
Persons aged 12 years and older who are immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of the mRNA vaccine 28 or more days after completing the two-dose mRNA series or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A first booster shot is recommended three months after receiving a third (additional) dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or two months after receiving a second dose if the first dose was the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Second Booster Dose
The FDA has authorized a second mRNA booster dose for specific individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness:
- Persons aged 12 years and older who are immunocompromised.
- All adults aged 50 and older should receive a second mRNA booster dose four months after their first booster dose.
Dose Variations
The Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer boosters will be administered with the same dose as the original vaccine, whereas Moderna’s will be a half-dose (50 micrograms). Moderna’s variant-specific vaccine candidates include one explicitly targeted against the Beta variant and a multivalent booster that combines protection against Beta and the original strain.
How Important Are Variants?
The CDC created four groups for SARS-CoV-2 variants:
- Variants Being Monitored (VBM): Variants that no longer pose a substantial threat to the public.
- Variants of Interest (VOI): Variants with specific genetic markers that may reduce the efficacy of treatments or increase transmissibility.
- Variants of Concern (VOC): Variants that demonstrate increased transmissibility, more severe disease, or reduced treatment efficacy.
- Variants of High Consequence (VOHC): Variants that significantly reduce the effectiveness of medical measures.
Currently, the only concern in the U.S. is the Omicron variant. There are no variants of interest or high consequence.
Waning Immunity
Immunity created by most vaccines wanes over time, making booster shots necessary. BioNTech’s co-founder, Dr. Ozlem Tureci, anticipates annual vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 due to immunity decline. Boosters play an essential role in mitigating the emergence of variants and maintaining long-lasting immunity.
The Role of Vaccines
Vaccines remain critical in reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. However, they are not the sole solution. Public health measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and global vaccine access are vital to ending the pandemic.
Conclusion
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines provide protection against circulating strains in the U.S. and significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths. Booster shots are essential for maintaining immunity and combating variants.