Skepticism is strong about Covid-19 vaccine booster shots as health officials have yet to make a recommendation on a third shot.
The CDC and FDA have yet to explicitly state guidance on receiving a booster shot for the general population. Although the FDA has recommended those over 65 or at high risk of infection should receive a third shot, limited advice has been released to other demographics. With the recent rise of COVID cases, specifically from the Delta variant, pressure has mounted to combat a spike in numbers.
Dutchess County has felt these effects, seeing a seven-day rolling average of 4.2 percent cases per day according to the county dashboard as of this past Saturday. These numbers haven’t been this high since mid-April 2021, asking the question of how the booster shot will come into play locally. Dutchess County’s vaccination rate currently sits at just below 70 percent, but with the longevity of the effectiveness of the vaccine as an unknown, local members of the community are starting to wonder what decision they’ll have to make.
According to Jackie Capra, a resident of Hyde Park, public health officials haven’t provided any guidance, leaving her with doubts about obtaining a booster shot.
“No, I haven’t received any information on whether or not to pursue a booster shot,” said Capra. “The CDC Guidance has been inconsistent to me. I’ve had COVID, then received the vaccine but if I’d prefer to give it some time and take an antibody test before receiving another shot.”
Capra’s concerns indicate a common sentiment about the unreliability of the data, due to the simple fact of the short-lived history of the vaccine. Although the vaccine has proven to be above 90 percent effective in fighting against severe illness according to the CDC, data has yet to provide a clearer picture of what is next for people like Capra.
Kelly Keenan, another Poughkeepsie local, echoed her concerns about rushing to get the booster shot.
“I’m definitely going to wait at least,” said Keenan. “I think it’s too early to get one and maybe I won’t even need to get one at all as more data is released.”
Locally speaking, Dutchess County health officials have yet to make an official declaration either. In fact, the Director of County Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health, Anil Vaidian, stepped down at the end of this past August, leaving a hole in the county’s line of communication to relay reliable information about updates on the vaccine.
Despite this, Aileen Rohr, the 9-year veteran Town Supervisor of Hyde Park, is standing by at the ready whenever more information becomes available from the county and state.
“Dutchess County has been the organizer of vaccine clinics and we will disseminate the information as we receive it,” said Rohr. “We will use all tools available to us, including social media, town meetings, and our e-mail notification system.”
Rohr is confident in being able to spread information quickly, instead what concerns her is the limited information they’ve received.
“We are all waiting for more definitive information on who should receive the booster,” said Rohr. “There continues to be a lack of consistent information at this point.”
Although official announcements have been limited, the Dutchess County website does have important details regarding the status of booster shots. The county site is echoing CDC and FDA guidance, which suggests those below 65 and who aren’t immunocompromised should wait before one of the public health agencies makes a decision.
Allison Brady, another Poughkeepsie resident, said the recommendations of the FDA were an important factor in her receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
“I was hesitant at first with the vaccine, since it was emergency approved,” said Brady. “But once the FDA came out with full clearance I felt comfortable to go and get my first shot.”
It seems apparent that booster shots are a waiting game. With limited data available and skepticism amongst locals about the interest in receiving it, an additional shot will continue to be a hot button topic in the next several months as Dutchess county adjusts back into normalcy.
As local officials wait on more guidance it appears the best way to subdue the virus is to become vaccinated according to Rohr.
“I believe we are all concerned about the potential of this virus to wreak havoc on our lives into the near future,” said Rohr. “I am hopeful that our current vaccination rate will continue to increase and that our citizens can be protected from this horrible virus with any and all methods possible.”
