Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines are proving highly effective. We had hoped from initial trials they would block COVID-19 infections completely. However, while they do highly protect us from serious illness, they do not completely prevent virus entry. On October 29, 2021 Lancet Magazine asked, will we all need our booster vaccine shots?
Mostly Mild Breakthroughs in Different Countries
The Lancet opened the debate by wondering whether a ‘fast-fading response’ might lead to more serious breakthrough infections in future. Vaccine-rich countries are implementing policies of universal booster shots. Are they largely ignoring whether we all actually need our booster vaccines, they asked?
Because, the journal continues ‘There is no consensus on when, for whom, and for which vaccines a booster dose is needed at present’. And indeed, some public health experts question whether we will all need them. Especially given the difficulty of proving whether this is the case in clinical trials.
The only really solid evidence we have, appears to be the Israeli trial we link to below. Recipients of booster shots were significantly better off in terms of hospitalization, and COVID-19 deaths. However, there are several unanswered questions.
Will We All Need Our Booster Vaccine or Only Some?
The Lancet is concerned about the following unanswered questions:
1… Was there a relationship between defensive behavior – or the lack of it – and breakthrough infections?
2… The booster dose was voluntary. There is no evidence why the subjects chose it, or whether they had ‘additional protective attributes’.
3… The sample group were all older than 16 years, with a median age of 52 years although some were older.
4… Males and females averaged similar results. However, the rate of severe outcomes in the 16 to 39 year group was ‘too small’ to reach a conclusion.
The Lancet concludes ‘older individuals with a rapidly waning immune response’ may be candidates for booster shots. However, we may need to balance this against the slight possibility of severe reactions. And the vaccines may be more urgently needed elsewhere besides.
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Preview Image: The Third mRNA Booster
