Why will we need boosters for Covid-19? Our medical analyst explains

For the answers, we turned to CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is also the author of a new book, “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Fight for Public Health”.

There are other vaccines that require occasional “stimulation” because immunity can weaken over time. The tetanus and diphtheria vaccine is one example. This is part of a series of childhood vaccinations. Then, as adults, we are still supposed to get this vaccine every 10 years.

There are other vaccines that need to be administered even more often. The flu shot needs to be updated every year because there are so many new strains every season. This is not so much to strengthen our immunity, but because there are new strains targeted by the vaccine.

It is not at all unusual to need additional vaccines. Covid-19 is a relatively new disease that has only emerged in the last two years, and we do not yet know if an extra dose is needed as it must be said, a series of three doses like hepatitis; whether there may be an occasional “boost” in immunity such as tetanus; or if new strains may emerge and we may need shots to target those strains.

CNN: Does a booster mean the vaccine isn’t working?

Magnifying glass: No. We’re still learning about Covid-19, and a third booster may be needed to complete the series, and after that we don’t need any additional immunity. It may also be that immunity wanes over time and an occasional booster helps increase immunity.

Covid-19 vaccines are safe and very effective. According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data estimates, vaccines protect us about 25 times from serious illnesses. This is the main reason we get vaccinated – to reduce the likelihood of being hospitalized or dying.

Vaccination also reduces the risk of contracting Covid-19 by about eight times. A vaccinated person is much less likely to get sick from Covid-19, compared to an unvaccinated person. This person is therefore also less likely to spread the coronavirus. These are all very compelling reasons to get the vaccine – to protect yourself and others around you.

CNN: Are boosters safe?

Magnifying glass: Yes. We regularly receive additional injections for other vaccines. These supplemental booster studies are being carefully conducted in the United States and other countries. Some other countries, such as Israel and Germany, have already authorized third booster doses. If a Covid-19 booster is allowed, it will have been studied in many people to make sure it is safe.

CNN: Who should be getting boosters right now?

For now, I advise you to discuss this with your doctor. Deciding on a booster dose is probably not a universal recommendation, but an individualized decision based on your medical situation.

CNN: Some people might want to know what the vaccine is for if you need to get a booster later?

Magnifying glass: I understand this is a concern that some people raise, although there is a logical error here. We’re not saying, well, what’s the point of wearing a seat belt today if I have to put on a seat belt tomorrow too? Vaccines protect you well. To gain additional and continued protection, you may need a booster dose. Just because you might need more protection in the future doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the initial protection the vaccine provides.

Ultimately, the Covid-19 vaccine is what will protect us and our loved ones, and is essential to ending the pandemic. A booster may be needed, and we should get it if and when it is advised.