Those days of early hope the pandemic would be over soon as we had vaccine, seem gone forever. We can’t say for sure whether the Delta, or Vaccine-Shy play the greater role. However, notwithstanding how we feel the infections keep rolling. We almost had a sense of anticlimax when we heard most Americans may get booster shots eight months after vaccination.
Is This the Only Option Then?
Washington Post was early on the streets 17 August, 2021 with the story. Their reporters lead with the teaser the current administration will make the announcement soon. Although their words were couched in cautious language when they posted ‘health and science experts are coalescing around the view. The view that people will need COVID-19 boosters eight months after full vaccination.’
We have to admit a sense of relief most Americans may get booster shots then. That’s because hospitals could otherwise be full to overflowing, as the infection rate rose higher and higher. Although at the same time we can’t shake off the feeling things could have turned out different. That’s if we had taken early action, and we took all the necessary precautions right away.
Unexpected Change in Policy
The shift in policy predicted in Washington Post is a change in the official position a week ago. It seems the decision derives from what is happening in other countries that vaccinated earlier. As opposed to urgent recommendations from Moderna and Pfizer.
However, we can’t keep on like this forever, vaccine by vaccine. That’s because the possibility of a vaccine-busting mutation increases with every new infection, however slight.
The question in our minds is what we are going to do with this respite. Will we – as a collective – start behaving more sensibly? Or will it be business as usual, with people still bickering over face masks and social distancing.
Recent
Coronavirus Responds to Boosters in Israel
COVID-19 Cases on the March Among Kids
Preview Image: COVID-19 Case Trends
