New Booster Shots Are Coming, But Scientists Are Debating Who Should Get Them
The debate centers not only on young individuals, who are not at risk of severe COVID-19, but older individuals as well.
In response to declining immunity against SARS-CoV-2, health officials globally are bracing for the distribution of booster shots in the coming months. But, the landscape has shifted. With the global COVID-19 emergency being declared over and with a steep drop in infections, it’s time for a strategic rethink of who gets the shot and when.
Some nations have already chosen to limit current booster distribution to those at greatest risk of severe illness or death. Similar restrictions are likely to be imposed on the forthcoming boosters, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable.
However, some countries argue for an expansive booster program across all ages. Several scientists advocate that wide-scale vaccination efforts can indirectly shield the vulnerable.
Since late 2022, bivalent boosters, designed to target both the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and an early Omicron variant, have been offered across many nations. Despite providing a degree of protection, the effectiveness quickly diminishes, with protection against hospitalization dropping…
