Fall is closer off than we may think. It won’t be long before we’re entertaining indoors again, but will we be wearing face masks? FDA recommends vaccine makers prepare booster doses targeting COVID-19 Omicron. Meanwhile, CNET says current advice is get the booster shots you’re eligible for.
Eligible Persons Should Get Their Booster Shots Now
CNET explains FDA is working on a new vaccine plan for fall and winter. Because experience teaches us to prepare for another wave at that time. Its request includes modified booster doses for BA.4 and BA.5 sub variants, of which the latter is dominant
In the interim, it seems smart to sign up for the COVID vaccinations we qualify for. In the case of the over-fifties this means having two booster shots. However, the debate is moving in a new direction. Should vaccine makers continue as before, or create a new product that targets Omicron?
Omicron has remained dominant across the globe for months, and proved adept at creating break-through infections. Although on the positive side vaccines are still largely preventing serious, life-threatening symptoms. But the problem is Omicron keeps mutating, and we could be dealing with a whole new variant by fall.
So Much for the Dilemma: What Will U.S. Government Do?
We expect the administration will continue rolling out booster shots to meet demand. Because in the interim they are still effective. It will also take time to develop, test and distribute new vaccines. So we should do what we can to stay safe and healthy.
What we do know is sub variants BA.4 and BA.5 are still part of the original virus family. Although founder of Scripps Research Dr. Eric Topol describes the latter as “the worst version of the virus that we’ve seen.” We need more time for diligent research based on scientific facts. But at the same time each new sub variant is more contagious.
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