Earlier this week, the FDA also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine booster shot, but only for a set group of adults – those aged 65 and up, as well as those with a high risk of severe COVID-19. The approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot also said that it will be administered at least six months after the last dose. The CDC, after some serious deliberation with its advisory committee, backed the plan up, though it laid specific guidelines about who should and who may want to get the third shot.
With all these conflicting views from various authorities, it isn’t surprising that people are confused. After all, the conflicting statements have all come from authorities that they are normally supposed to listen to.
So what does science actually say?
According to the scientists, a booster shot is recommended when there’s convincing evidence that the initial doses don’t offer enough protection.
According to the data from the CDC, the ability of mRNA vaccines to prevent severe disease hasn’t changed significantly in the past six months.
A study from the United Kingdom showed that the vaccine efficacy wanes greatest for older people (those over 64) who have medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19. This segment includes transplant recipients, cancer patients, and people with severe heart and lung disease.
“In the younger population, without comorbidities or additional risk factors, the vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe disease,” Titanji said.
Also Read: FDA Approves Booster Shot Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine For Americans 65 And Older
