WHO "Booster Shot Recommended for Immunocompromised Individuals"...Opposes Vaccination for Entire Population

"Indiscriminate Booster Shots by Wealthy Countries Must Be Stopped"
"Among Vaccinated in China, Those Aged 60 and Over Should Receive Booster Shots"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended additional COVID-19 vaccinations (booster shots) for patients with immunodeficiency and those with weakened immune systems. However, the WHO maintains its opposition to the mandatory nationwide booster shot campaigns being conducted mainly in developed countries, citing concerns that they exacerbate vaccine inequality.

On the 11th (local time), the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization stated in a press release that "all COVID-19 vaccines that have received emergency approval from the WHO should be provided additionally as part of an expanded primary vaccination program for people with moderate or severe immune suppression."

SAGE explained the need for booster shots for immunocompromised individuals by saying, "People with weakened immune systems are less likely to respond adequately to COVID-19 with just the basic vaccination and are at higher risk of severe illness." They also added, "Those aged 60 and over who have completed vaccination with Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines should receive additional doses."

However, the group clearly opposed booster vaccinations for the entire population, which are being carried out mainly in some developed countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged at a press conference that "while low-income countries are still struggling to administer first doses," the widespread use of booster shots should be halted at least until next year.

Meanwhile, the vaccines approved by the WHO for primary and booster vaccinations currently include six types: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), as well as vaccines developed by Chinese pharmaceutical companies Sinopharm and Sinovac.

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