Some of the most-compelling data that was under review came from an
Israeli study, published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine,
that explored the benefit of booster shots for older people. Israel, with
a population of around 9 million, has a national health system and one
of the world’s highest COVID-19 vaccination rates.
Earlier this year, Israeli public health officials noted evidence for an
increased number of breakthrough infections, some of which were
severe. So, at the end of July 2021, Israel approved the administration
of third doses, or “boosters,” of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people
ages 60 and up who had received their second dose at least five months
before.
Though the Israeli studies on booster shots are a little ahead of the
international pack, we are starting to see results from the research
underway in the U.S. For example, Johnson & Johnson announced new
data in support of boosters to improve and extend immune protection
in those who received its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. For people
who received the Moderna mRNA vaccine, the company has already
submitted its data to the FDA for booster authorization. A decision is
expected soon.
As the critical evidence on boosters continues to emerge, the most
important way to avoid another winter surge of COVID-19 is to follow
all public health recommendations. Most importantly, that includes
getting fully vaccinated if you haven’t already, and encouraging others
around you to do the same. If you’re currently eligible for a booster
shot, they are available at 80,000 locations across the nation, and can
help you stay healthy and well for the coming holiday season.
For others eager to do everything possible to protect themselves, their
families, and their communities against this terrible virus—but who are
not yet eligible for a booster—sit tight for now. The data on booster
shots are still coming in for folks like me who were immunized with the
Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. It’s likely that the FDA and
CDC will widen their recommendations.
In the meantime, the Delta variant is still out there and circulating. That
makes it critical to maintain vigilance. Wear a mask in indoor spaces,
keep a physical distance from others, and remember to wash your
hands frequently. We are all really tired of COVID-19, but patience is still
required as we learn more about how best to stay ahead of this virus.
Francis S. Collins is the 16th Director of the National Institute of Health