The Delta variant has spread fear worldwide due to its high transmissibility rate and the different symptoms it can trigger. A recent report from Pfizer revealed that the vaccine is only 83.7 % effective after four to six months of getting the second jab. Several countries have started to administer the third dose to immunocompromised people and the elderly. At the same time, some experts believe that many people from emerging countries will die if western countries hoard Covid-19 vaccines for a third dose. In some countries, vaccination campaigns run pretty slowly because of the lack of doses.
The U.S Government could advise booster shots
As the new daily cases of Covid-19 infections surge in the U.S, sources believe that the Biden Administration will advise Americans to get a third shot eight months after being fully vaccinated. There is no clear plan yet, but the third shot could be administered in the second half of September for many fully vaccinated people. Both Pfizer and BioNTech have sent the FDA all data about the effectiveness of a booster dose.
FDA already approved a third dose for immunocompromised people
The FDA announced that those declared immunocompromised by a health provider can now receive a third dose to protect them from aggressive SARS-CoV-2 strains. After this first group, it is expected that health providers and the older population will be advised to do the same. So far, it is not known if those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson will get a booster shot. A third Pfizer dose helps the immune system fight severe infection and preserve its antibodies’ levels. The decision could also come after reports showing that fully vaccinated people can also spread the infection came to light. One incident is the one from Massachusetts where 496 vaccinated people got infected after joining big events.