Countries Shorten Booster Shot Intervals Amid Omicron Spread

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] In response to the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, countries around the world are shortening the interval for vaccine booster shots (third doses).

On the 20th (local time), according to US media The Hill and others, many countries including the United States had considered it standard to receive a booster shot six months after completing the primary vaccination series.

However, as the number of confirmed cases infected with the Omicron variant rapidly increases in many countries, they are reducing the interval for booster shot administration.

Some studies suggesting that the Omicron variant is more likely to evade the immune system formed by vaccination compared to previously identified coronavirus variants are also believed to have influenced this decision.

Singapore, Taiwan, Italy, Australia, and others have shortened the booster shot interval to five months, one month earlier than before.

South Korea, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Belgium, and others have further shortened the period, recommending booster shots three to four months after completing the primary vaccination series.

The United States is maintaining the booster shot interval according to its existing policy.

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