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Amid vaccine inequity, US to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots

By Yashasvini on Aug 18, 2021 | 04:38 AM IST

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U.S. experts are expected to recommend vaccine booster shots eight months after receiving the second dose, as officials buckle up to stop the Delta variant from spreading across the country.

Associated Press followed up with two officials who confirmed the news on the condition of anonymity.

The New York Times reported that the Biden administration has decided that most Americans should get a coronavirus booster vaccination, eight months after they received their second shot. The third shot could be offered as early as mid-September, according to administration officials familiar with the discussions.

The officials intend to let Americans who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines know now that they will need additional protection against the Delta variant that is rapidly spreading across the nation.

Last week, US officials recommended boosters for those who had a higher risk of catching the virus. They said that the vaccines lose their effectiveness over time and hence those with weakened immune systems need booster shots.

Israel has been offering a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who were already vaccinated more than five months ago in a bid to control the delta variant from spreading. The country has exclusively administered the Pfizer shot.

Other governments such as Chile and Germany have also decided to provide booster doses to older people as well as people with weak immunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s predictions report uncertainty over the next four weeks regarding the delta variant caseload. It has forecast, a potential of 550,000 to 2.3 million new cases during that time.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has asked governments to hold off on booster shots until more people worldwide, and especially those from low-income countries, receive their initial doses, to help prevent new variants.

(With inputs from AP and New York Times)

Picture Credits: CNBC

 

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