As the world continues to deal with COVID-19, an important question remains: Should people still get booster shots even in the post-pandemic era?
In the United States, a group that advises the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested that older adults and those who are at high risk should still get booster shots. In the United Kingdom, people living in care homes, healthcare workers and those over 50 are encouraged to get a third vaccine dose. But how about the rest of the global population?
Booster shots are extra doses of a vaccine administered after the first series of vaccinations. They help boost the immune system and provide more protection against diseases.
COVID-19 Vaccines More Necessary for Poor Countries
For better management of the virus post-pandemic, booster shots are being considered to boost people's immunity as the virus changes and new variants come out. However, experts have different opinions on whether everyone needs to get boosted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that about 5.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses have been given around the world. But most of these doses -- about 80% -- have gone to high- and upper-middle-income countries.
This raises questions about whether people in wealthier countries need boosters as many poorer countries have low vaccination rates. According to World Economic Forum, countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania have vaccination rates below 5%, showing a strong need for fairer vaccine distribution.
Dr. Katherine O'Brien, who works for WHO in the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said there isn't a strong reason for most people to get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She noted that current vaccines work well at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
However, she pointed out that some people, like those with weak immune systems that didn't respond well to the first doses, might benefit from a third dose. This means that while boosters might help a small number of people, they aren't needed by everyone.
COVID-19 Booster Shots' Safety and Effectiveness
Research has shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is very effective at lowering the chances of severe illness and death. As new variants emerge, vaccine updates may be necessary to keep them effective.
The updated vaccines for the 2024-2025 season have been made to fight new variants, ensuring ongoing protection. Most people will only need one dose of this updated vaccine, although some younger kids and those with weakened immune systems may need more doses, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Additionally, the FDA has confirmed that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnant women are more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19, so vaccination is important for their health and the health of their babies.
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Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The 2024-2025 COVID vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 5 and older. Children between 6 months and 4 years may need several vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised that people should wait about three months after getting COVID-19 before they get the updated vaccine.
Vaccination helps lower the chances of severe illness and reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others. Some people might wonder if getting sick with COVID-19 gives better immunity than getting vaccinated. Studies showed that the immunity from vaccines is stronger and lasts longer. This means that even if someone has had COVID-19, they should still get vaccinated.
Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause side effects. Common reactions include soreness at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, muscle aches, chills, fever and nausea.
These side effects usually go away within a few days. Parents should also understand the importance of vaccination for children. The CDC has recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 years, pointing out that serious cases of COVID-19 can still happen in kids.
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