Is a third vaccine dose needed for coronavirus?
Last reviewed: 12.03.2022
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The question of the need for a third dose of vaccination against coronavirus infection COVID-19 has been under discussion for a long time. Most experts believe that the introduction of the third stage of vaccination will lead to a shortage of vaccines in underdeveloped countries, which is categorically unacceptable. In particular, this point of view is shared by the head of the vaccine development team, Dr. Andrew Pollard, and the chief representative of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Seth Berkeley.
Experts note that the use of the third stage even in one developed country would lead to the fact that other countries would pick up this practice. As a result, far fewer people could be vaccinated with at least two doses of the drugs. “Many people will lose the chance to survive in a pandemic,” experts explain.
Scientists are confident that today it is important to correctly distribute the available vaccines. This will allow a larger percentage of the population to be vaccinated, the global economy and tourism to resume, and a return to a normal lifestyle in most cases.
Meanwhile, the United States has approved a third dose of vaccine for people with weak immune systems. In particular, we are talking about vaccines Moderna and Pfizer. In addition, mixing of mRNA preparations for booster vaccination is allowed, provided that the original preparation is not available. An additional step is especially recommended for organ transplant survivors and those with immunodeficiencies. However, officials say patients are not required to provide a prescription or a doctor's note stating that they have weakened immune defenses and are eligible for an additional dose.
The recommendations are based primarily on the Pfizer manufacturer's claim that BioNTech's effectiveness decreases over time: research by the developers showed a drop in effectiveness from 96% to 84% as early as 4 months after the completion of the second stage of vaccination.
The manufacturers of Moderna have also indicated that a third booster is likely to be needed. This statement is due to the emergence of a coronavirus variation Delta , which provoked the re-development of infection in twice vaccinated patients.
The Chairman of the World Health Organization announced the need to declare a moratorium on the introduction of the third stage of vaccination against COVID-19. During this time, specialists should solve the problem of a lack of vaccines in regions with low vaccination rates.
Information published on the page Reuters