Health experts in Virginia recently announced they are looking to see if there is a need for a booster shot after vaccination to guarantee if the vaccine retains its efficacy.
According to a 13News Now report, nearly four million Virginians have been fully vaccinated as protection against COVID-19.
In the near future, the media outfit reported, all of those who have been vaccinated may need another shot. Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia's vaccine coordinator, said health authorities are still following the data, not to mention the science, to find out if and when there is a need for a COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Millions of Virginians are vaccinated against the COVID virus, he said, adding the shot is slowing the spread of COVID-19.
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Potential Annual Shot
Daily COVID-19 cases in Virginia has been approximately 200 or fewer, which is notable given where Virginia has been in the past year and a half with the pandemic, Avula said.
He said that similar to the flu shot, there is a good chance the COVID-19 vaccine could become an annual shot.
With new mutations and new variants, Avula said, there may be a need for a new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine itself in order to provide complete protection against other potential variants.
A lot of people would want to know if they will need a COVID-19 booster shot, he said, pointing to studies showing people who took part in vaccine trials nearly a year ago still show impressive immunity against COVID-19.
A Booster Shot Available for Everyone
Avula believes more research is needed to find out if immunity is dropping off before health authorities know if booster shots are needed this fall. These may be needed next year not the end of this year, he added.
Whether it's 2021 or 2022, Avula said the booster shot will be easily accessible and available for everyone.
As the data come in and boosters are developed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide when booster shots should be delivered, he said.
Essentially, 68 percent of people aged 18 years and older in the state have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Avula believes Virginia is going to meet the goal of President Biden which, according to a The New York Times report, is to have 70 percent of adult Americans receive one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by early July.
Fauci's Stance
According to a CNN report, the world may be opening up due to the increase in vaccinations for COVID-19. Medical experts say one more round of shots may be required within about a year.
According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, a booster COVID-19 vaccine for those who have already been vaccinated may be needed as soon as eight to 12 months from the second shot.
Fauci said the effectivity of the vaccine should last at least six months and likely substantially more. He thinks a booster will certainly be required within one year or so after being given the primary shot.
Good Morning America reports about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots via the YouTube video below:
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