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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsLaurie Garrett: The Science Says Everyone Needs a COVID-19 Booster Shot--and Soon
Foreign PolicyThe world has fought many battles against the novel coronavirus since January 2020, losing more than 4.2 million people and vanquishing some of its spread. But the war is still raging and will do so for a long time. I predicted early last year, in a best-case scenario, that we would face a 36-month battle before COVID-19 could be considered under human control. We are only now in month 19.
Sure enough, the United States is again awash in virus, with the incidence of new COVID-19 cases having soared 131 percent in the third week of July. To be clear, the vaccines available work wellespecially the Pfizer and Moderna products based on mRNA technology. But it is likely that waning vaccine efficacy, coupled with a stubborn one-fifth of the adult population refusing any immunization, has opened the door for the dangerous mutant delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 to wreak havoc among the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike.
Thats why the United States is going to need a third dose of mRNA vaccines; for the nations older population, the triple play is already overdue. I dont see the virus just disappearing, said Stanley Plotkin, considered the godfather of vaccinology. The University of Pennsylvania vaccine inventor and immunologist told me that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should comply with requests from Pfizer, following Israels example, and immediately approve third-dose immunization for adults over the age of 60, with general triple dosing for all Americans to follow. I agree.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced opposition to third dosing in richer nations before making primary doses available to billions of people in middle-income and poorer countries. Its a completely reasonable point, both morally and strategically, in the war against COVID-19. But evidence now points in an alarming new direction, suggesting that fully vaccinated individuals can carry the delta variant in their noses and mouths, shedding in some cases just as much virus to infect others as do unvaccinated infected individuals.
Sure enough, the United States is again awash in virus, with the incidence of new COVID-19 cases having soared 131 percent in the third week of July. To be clear, the vaccines available work wellespecially the Pfizer and Moderna products based on mRNA technology. But it is likely that waning vaccine efficacy, coupled with a stubborn one-fifth of the adult population refusing any immunization, has opened the door for the dangerous mutant delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 to wreak havoc among the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike.
Thats why the United States is going to need a third dose of mRNA vaccines; for the nations older population, the triple play is already overdue. I dont see the virus just disappearing, said Stanley Plotkin, considered the godfather of vaccinology. The University of Pennsylvania vaccine inventor and immunologist told me that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should comply with requests from Pfizer, following Israels example, and immediately approve third-dose immunization for adults over the age of 60, with general triple dosing for all Americans to follow. I agree.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced opposition to third dosing in richer nations before making primary doses available to billions of people in middle-income and poorer countries. Its a completely reasonable point, both morally and strategically, in the war against COVID-19. But evidence now points in an alarming new direction, suggesting that fully vaccinated individuals can carry the delta variant in their noses and mouths, shedding in some cases just as much virus to infect others as do unvaccinated infected individuals.
(Laurie is a personal friend)
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Laurie Garrett: The Science Says Everyone Needs a COVID-19 Booster Shot--and Soon (Original Post)
brooklynite
Jul 2021
OP
Pfizer-BioNTech are already in testing for a booster that specifically targets the delta variant
JohnSJ
Jul 2021
#2
I fear it will take too long for approval. It will be too late for a great deal of the population.
triron
Jul 2021
#5
I don't think so. It involves changing the genetic sequence on the spike protein to
JohnSJ
Jul 2021
#6
A) disclosure B) general human interest C) a lot of the us like these glimpses...
Hekate
Jul 2021
#11
Behind a firewall - does the science actually say an existing vaccine would be the solution?
muriel_volestrangler
Jul 2021
#10
comradebillyboy
(10,128 posts)1. I went to the Costco pharmacy yesterday to inquire
about a covid booster. The pharmacist said they had received no guidance from CDC on a booster. So when CDC gives the go ahead we can get the booster.
brooklynite
(94,333 posts)3. There are no boosters for any vaccine at this time, only testing.
JohnSJ
(92,061 posts)2. Pfizer-BioNTech are already in testing for a booster that specifically targets the delta variant
That is what I am waiting for
triron
(21,984 posts)5. I fear it will take too long for approval. It will be too late for a great deal of the population.
JohnSJ
(92,061 posts)6. I don't think so. It involves changing the genetic sequence on the spike protein to
match the delta variant
SoCalDavidS
(9,998 posts)14. They Can't Rush Approval Just Because The MAGA Morons Won't Get Vaccinated
It's not their fault that 30-40% of Americans are dipshits who refuse to get the vaccine shots.
roamer65
(36,744 posts)4. The age should be 50.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)7. I received my two shots in end of May and June.
Im 74. Does this mean I need a booster now? Seems too soon ..
LisaL
(44,972 posts)8. Six months after the second dose is when one needs a booster (per Israel).
NT
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)9. Why does it matter if she is a friend?? Nt
Hekate
(90,551 posts)11. A) disclosure B) general human interest C) a lot of the us like these glimpses...
behind the screen. Any more?
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)12. Silly! Nt
Hekate
(90,551 posts)13. Some of us think we have friends here, silly tho you think that is
muriel_volestrangler
(101,265 posts)10. Behind a firewall - does the science actually say an existing vaccine would be the solution?
I ask because other reputable writers don't think the gradually decreasing antibody levels indicate that a booster of the same thing will help much:
Link to tweet
'"Please, please, please: stop obsessing over antibody titers. They are not enough to justify a booster."
Wanna know why? Read this primer.'
...
"What this means is that even though your antibody levels may drop (which as we have established, is totally normal and does not necessarily indicate a loss of protection), the potency of your antibodies can continue to increase.
Link to tweet
No, if there's a new vaccine that's more specific to the Delta variant, that could be different. But I haven't heard of that. So what is the science that says "soon", ie with an existing available vaccine?