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COVID VACCINES

Why might vaccinated Americans need a booster shot?

The Biden administration announced Wednesday a plan to offer booster doses for every fully vaccinated American starting Sept. 20.

In this file photo a syringe is filled with a first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
PATRICK T. FALLONAFP

USA health officials announced Wednesday they will start to distribute COVID-19 booster vaccines in September as new data proves the loss of effectiveness of both Pfizer and Moderna over time.

According to latest official studies run by CEO Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s vaccine immunity efficacy drops to 84 per cent after four to six months since fully vaccinated people received their last dose. Conversely, Moderna doses manage to remain a 93 per cent effectiveness after a six month period, immunity data expected to decrease wisely as months go by, therefore, boosters will be required.

A statement signed by several health authorities including CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock and White House chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci corroborates the latest study results, proving evidence of immunity decrease among fully vaccinated.

“Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout,” said the document.

Moderna, Pfizer to receive boosters

In order to avoid future problems as delta rushes, US agencies will be offering booster shots starting Sept.20 to those who received their last Moderna or Pfizer dose eight months ago.

“The booster shot will boost your immune response and it will increase your protection from Covid-19.”

Presiden Joe Biden.

On the other hand, regarding Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, officials said they are waiting for more data to determine weather or not to recommend boosters for they recipients too. However, having seen the previous results with two-dose vaccines is most-likely single-shot Johnson vaccinated Americans have to take boosters too.

“We are engaging with the U.S. FDA, CDC and other health authorities and will share new data shortly regarding boosting with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” health officials said Wednesday.

Criticism Shadow hangs over the US Government

Moreover, US CDC is facing criticisms not only because over 40% of Americans are still reluctant to even get one dose, but because there are still poorer countries that are struggling to get the sufficient doses to give their citizens even one dose. Some health officials describe booster solution as "selfish" and state that US government should be making vaccines more accesible for poorer countries instead of prioritizing health for Americans.

At the speech that took place at the White House Wednesday, President Joe Biden addressed the critics. “We can take care of America and help the world at he same time.”

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on on the COVID-19 response and the vaccination program from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 18 August 2021.
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US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on on the COVID-19 response and the vaccination program from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 18 August 2021.SHAWN THEWEFE