US CDC: "Annual Booster Shots Unlikely Needed After Third Dose"

Rochelle Walensky, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. health authorities, who decided on nationwide booster shot vaccinations, have projected that receiving a third dose may eliminate the need for annual booster shots.

According to CNBC and others on the 19th (local time), Rochelle Walensky, Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that "a third dose alone appears sufficient to enhance the long-term protective effect of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines."

This statement came just one day after the U.S. announced that it would begin administering booster shots to the entire population starting from the 20th of next month. Health authorities concluded that "the vaccine's preventive effect decreases over time" and "booster shots are necessary to maximize and extend the vaccine's protective effect."

In an interview with CBS, Director Walensky said, "It cannot be said with absolute certainty, but at present, annual booster shots do not seem necessary," adding, "a third dose will provide strong protective effects."

She also mentioned that the hepatitis B vaccine requires a booster shot after the second dose, noting, "Scientists believe the COVID-19 vaccine will follow a similar pattern," and added, "we will continue to follow the scientific data, but do not think it will be continuously necessary."

Meanwhile, several breakthrough infection cases have occurred among federal senators who have completed their vaccinations. According to The New York Times (NYT), three federal senators?Roger Wicker (Mississippi, Republican), Angus King (Maine, Independent), and John Hickenlooper (Denver, Democrat)?recently tested positive for COVID-19.

It remains unclear when and where they were exposed to the virus or whether they had contact with other senators. Senator Hickenlooper tweeted that "people who have already been vaccinated should receive booster shots according to the CDC's plan."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.