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| Experts have said that rapidly spreading variants of the coronavirus and others that may emerge could lead to the need for regular booster shots, similar to annual flu shots. (File photo by=AFP) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] The United States prepares for the possibility that a booster shot will be needed between nine to 12 months after people are initially vaccinated against COVID-19, a White House official said on Thursday (Apr 15), Reuters reported.
While the duration of immunity after vaccination is being studied, booster vaccines could be needed, David Kessler, chief science officer for President Joe Biden's COVID-19 response task force told a congressional committee meeting. "The current thinking is those who are more vulnerable will have to go first," he said. Meanwhile, Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said people will 'likely' need a third booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines within 12 months and could need annual shots, CNBC reported based on his comments from Apr 1, which were made public on Thursday.
Initial data has shown that vaccines from Moderna and partners Pfizer and BioNTech retain most of their effectiveness for at least six months, though for how much longer has not been determined. Even if that protection lasts far longer than six months, experts have said that rapidly spreading variants of the coronavirus and others that may emerge could lead to the need for regular booster shots similar to annual flu shots.
