COVID-19: How Many Shots Are We Going To Get?

We have heard many times that COVID-19 is here to stay. Consequently, the ongoing discussion about vaccination against the virus has continued and increased, as we are nowhere close to eradication.

We are currently entering a new phase regarding immunization: the additional booster shot.

While many third-world countries still have difficulty accessing the vaccines, others are giving their third shot. Such a contradiction may seem absurd. Even when dealing with global health issues, the gap between countries’ economies is still dramatically steep and worrying.

Another underlying problem is the type of vaccine an individual has already received. Different countries have found various solutions to this problem. In the United States, CDC and FDA only recommend Pfizer boosters to people with increased vulnerability or that are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Meanwhile, Uruguay has administered a booster shot of Pfizer on top of the two Sinovac vaccines already given. With 70% of its population being vaccinated, Uruguay is one of the countries with the most effective immunization programs. This additional dose also was largely accepted by the public and 30% is already covered by a third shot.

The other question that arises is when should the booster be given. Some reports show that the protection offered decreases over time. Nevertheless, when such time that is, is still controversial. Again, Uruguay is the only country that is offering a third shot to all its population.

An additional consideration is the COVID mutations and the waning immunity against the new variants. As time goes on, more variations are emerging and spreading quicker than the original one. This makes the booster necessary to keep the population protected.

The remaining question for authorities and individuals alike is whether the known and potential benefits of a booster dose outweigh the potential risks.

Bibliography

Debusmann, B. (2021, October 14) Covid boosters: Who needs them and how do they help?BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58887929

McCarthy, S. (2021, October 2) Coronavirus: Pfizer booster may better protect than third CoronaVac shot, finds Turkish study. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3150950/coronavirus-pfizer-booster-may-better-protect-third-coronavac

Vara, D. (2021, August 8) A nurse administers China's Sinovac vaccine, a potential vaccine for Covid-19, to a volunteer at São Lucas Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. [Photograph]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/covid-19-vaccines-face-varied-powerful-misinformation-movement-online-n1249378

Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot? (n.d.) CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html