Feature

Why are boosters being given after 8 months? Experts weigh in


 

Layering protections

Continuing to recommend masks is essential, Dr. Swann added. “With this Delta variant, it does appear that the possibility of reinfection or of a disease case breaking through vaccination can occur. So that makes it even more important to consider using nonpharmaceutical interventions while we continue to vaccinate people.”

Wearing or not wearing a mask is one of the behaviors that drive the transmission of disease, Dr. Swann said.

“What we saw across the board is that many people really wanted to go back to normal as much as they could. And we went back to normal a little bit too soon, especially given this new version of the virus that was circulating,” she said.

In poll, most favor boosters

A recent poll conducted by Medscape indicates that a majority of vaccinated physicians and nurses are ready and willing to take a COVID-19 booster vaccine. For example, 93% of 943 doctors and 87% of 1,680 nurses who responded want booster shots, either immediately or when they are authorized and recommended.

Among 510 WebMD readers responding to a similar poll, 82% indicated they wanted a booster shot.

A challenging task lies ahead

According to CDC data, as of Aug. 18, 2021, almost 169 million Americans are fully vaccinated, including the one-shot Johnson & Johnson adenovirus vaccine.

“I think it will be a challenge to get everyone who is fully vaccinated to come in for that booster,” Dr. Swann said.

Logistically speaking, Dr. Swann explained that many sites that were open for initial vaccinations, including drive-up locations and 24/7 vaccination sites, are no longer operating.

“We might see that rollout look a little bit differently. You might be able to go to your pharmacy or go to your primary care physician,” she said.

“But we may not see as many weekend events so it is going to be easier to get some people a booster than others.

“One interesting thing will also be whether a booster is effective in actually preventing you from giving a disease to someone else,” Dr. Swann said. “That could make a difference as well, because that might play into whether companies, hospitals, universities, or others require a booster.”

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

Pages

Recommended Reading

COVID-19 mitigation measures led to shifts in typical annual respiratory virus patterns
Federal Practitioner
FDA may okay COVID booster for vulnerable adults before weekend: Media
Federal Practitioner
Tachycardia syndrome may be distinct marker for long COVID
Federal Practitioner
Heparin’s COVID-19 benefit greatest in moderately ill patients
Federal Practitioner
CDC officially endorses third dose of mRNA vaccines for immunocompromised
Federal Practitioner
Youngest children more likely to spread SARS-CoV-2 to family: Study
Federal Practitioner
COVID-19 hospitalizations for 30- to 39-year-olds hit record high
Federal Practitioner
Secretary of Defense Seeks Approval To Make COVID Vaccines Mandatory For DoD Employees
Federal Practitioner
Health care workers share stories of Delta variant’s toll
Federal Practitioner
Latest data show increase in breakthrough COVID-19 cases
Federal Practitioner