On March 29, the FDA released a statement authorizing a second booster shot for certain people. This will allow those over the age of fifty to receive a second booster four months after their first one. Certain immunocompromised individuals may also be eligible for their second booster shot if they are not over the age of fifty. This announcement means that some could receive their second shot now if they meet the requirements.
Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, Director of the CDC, stated that, “This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time. CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”
A second booster will help protect those over the age of fifty and those who are immunocompromised or have other medical conditions that make them vulnerable to Covid-19. If more people get their second booster shot, Covid cases could continue to decrease. This will help the world return to normalcy sooner rather than later, including at Barstow. The announcement of a second Covid booster shot could make students and teachers feel more comfortable at school. The second booster shot is key to protect those who are most at risk of suffering serious effects from Covid-19.
The history of vaccines for Covid-19 is quite complicated. On December 11, 2020, the FDA authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine and Moderna’s vaccine on December 18. Since then, the FDA has authorized two doses of each vaccine, a first booster shot, and now, an additional booster shot for those who are eligible. A second booster shot has been authorized by the FDA for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. Soon after this announcement, the FDA will most likely approve the second booster shot for other age groups.
The FDA announced that their approval of a second booster shot comes after receiving data that the effectiveness of past Covid-19 vaccines and boosters have waned and no longer protect individuals to its full capacity. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, stated, “Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from Covid-19 in older and immunocompromised individuals.” Since the effectiveness of the past dose of the vaccine may be wearing off, it is critical that the public continues to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
The approval of a second booster shot could immensely help to protect the general public against Covid-19. Although cases have been dropping in America, the threat of a new variant means the public should do everything in their power to protect themselves and those around them against the virus. At Barstow, teachers and parents over the age of fifty receiving a second booster shot could assist Barstow in keeping the number of Covid-19 cases low, which is critical to being able to attend school in person.
