With about 500 Americans dying every day, the United States tops the globe in COVID-19 cases and deaths. As the Delta strain took root, daily cases in the United States has increased from less than 10,000 in early July to more than 150,000 in August. This is a serious concern for authorities as well as the public at large as the spread of infection remains out of control.
Vaccinated people are among the new cases, albeit they are significantly less likely to develop serious sickness or die than the unvaccinated.
COVID Infection Risk In Seniors Is Significantly Reduced By The Booster Shot
The Health Ministry claims that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine reduces the risk of infection in people aged 60 and up, despite the WHO’s request for a booster shot ban. The third shot may lead to better immunity in seniors and help them keep safe against the spread of infection.
According to findings published by the Health Ministry, a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine considerably improves protection for persons aged 60 and up against infection and serious illness when compared to those who only received two doses.
According to results from the Israel-based study, a third dosage, or booster shot, of Pfizer’s vaccine offered four times the protection as two doses alone in adults 60 and older, while protection from serious illness and hospitalization was five to six times higher.
The study, which was published on Sunday, looked at protection 10 days after a third dose was given, as the government stated in late July that it will begin inoculating its older populations with a third dose and that eligibility for individuals 40 and older would open up on Aug 19.
“The data reveal that the body’s immunity weakens over time, and the objective of the booster is to re-strengthen it, minimizing the risk of infection and serious sickness,” Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said of the decision to start administering booster shots.
The findings come as the president of the World Health Organization has called for a two-month booster shot ban, citing global vaccine disparity, as some wealthier countries pursue booster doses for their people while others lag far behind.
Officials said the booster doses will initially target healthcare personnel, nursing home residents, and the elderly, who will be among the first to get vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021.
Both US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell praised the revelation, saying he “definitely” planned to seek a third term.
According to Reuters, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “There is also a disagreement about whether booster shots are useful at all.” As the delta variety spreads across the country, US health officials announced plans last week to make booster doses available to all Americans.
“According to our most recent assessment, current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death may wane in the months ahead, particularly among those who are at higher risk or who were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout,” health officials said in a joint statement.
“As a result, we believe a booster dose will be required to maximize vaccine-induced protection and ensure its long-term durability.” COVID-19 vaccine booster doses will be readily available to Americans beginning September 20, according to US health officials, citing evidence showing that initial vaccines are providing less protection as infections from the Delta form rise.
Americans who had their initial inoculation of two-dose COVID-19 vaccines made by Moderna Inc, Pfizer Inc, and BioNTech AG at least eight months ago will be offered a third shot, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.