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hot vax summer is officially underway now that nearly 45% of Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But there is some talk that getting vaccinated may not be a one-time event and that everyone may need another chance.
Someone is thinking about it right now fully vaccinated two weeks after they have the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna injection, or two weeks after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. What’s more, scientists aren’t sure yet whether you’ll need a COVID-19 booster later on.
“The need for and timing of COVID-19 booster doses has not been established. No additional doses are recommended at this time,” says de Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
But, like so many other aspects of the pandemic, that could change. Parade.com asked medical experts to discuss what we know about a potential COVID-19 booster, when we might need it, and why.
Do we really need a COVID-19 booster shot?
The simple answer? It’s too early to say. “Ongoing and current studies” will determine if and when a COVID-19 booster injection is needed, explains Dr Purvi Parikh, MD, an immunologist and member of Doctors for Patient Protection, a nonprofit organization that advocates for physician-led care and transparency in the health care system.
Related: Cleveland Clinic’s Best Documents Answer Your Key COVID-19 Questions
However, many health experts predict that a booster will likely be needed. The CDC already recommends booster shots for the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine every 10 years, and flu shots are needed every year.
Scientists are testing the effectiveness of booster shots and whether the different shots can be mixed and matched to give a boost.
Why might we need a booster?
The main reason you may need a booster is because breakthrough infections can occur in people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, says dr. Randy A. Taplitz, MD, chairman of the City of Hope Department of Medicine.
Breakthrough infections happen, she explains, but until now, most of these infections have been asymptomatic and have not caused any major problems. But that could change as new variants spread and mutate.
“We need to continue to monitor how the vaccines are performing and whether booster shots will be needed to maintain significant immunity against new variants,” Taplitz says.
Related: What is the Covid variant and does the vaccine protect against it?
Data suggests that current vaccines are effective against variants so far. Researchers in the UK estimates that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of contracting the Delta variant, first identified in India, by 79% and the Alpha variant, initially identified in England, by 92%.
When (and how often) do we need a COVID-19 booster?
“It’s too early to know if boosters are needed, which boosters, when and how often they should be given,” Taplitz says. “What we do know is that vaccines are safe and effective.”
What’s still unclear is how long the vaccine or natural immunity lasts, she explains, but it’s most likely at least six months. “So after those six months, a booster may be needed,” she says.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in April that you are thought to need a booster within 12 months of full vaccination and annual revaccination.
Related: What you need to know about the three most important vaccines
Still, if a booster is needed, Parikh says it will hopefully be a one-off event or at least rare, but that’s still being studied. “Remember, we learn in real time as we go,” she adds. “The pandemic itself is only about 17 months old.”
Why buy the booster if and when it is available?
If and when a COVID-19 booster is available, medical experts will urge you to get it.
“People who have already been vaccinated may need to get a booster shot because of concerns that the effectiveness of a vaccine may decrease after working overtime,” Taplitz says. A booster vaccine may be especially important for people who are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions, and may have a “less robust response to initial vaccination.”
Boosters will also play a key role in fighting new viral variants that could emerge, she explains.
In addition, Parikh says, “This will ensure that we keep the infection rate low so that we can continue to get out of this pandemic.”
Then read whether you should still wear a face mask after vaccination.
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