US officials formally recommended a third COVID vaccine injection for Americans to help protect them from the Delta Variant, claiming immunity begins to wane roughly eight months after the second dose.
“The Biden administration on Wednesday outlined a plan for Americans who received the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines to get a booster shot eight months after receiving their second doses, starting Sept. 20,” reports the New York Times.
BREAKING: U.S. health officials recommend all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots to shore up their protection against the delta variant. The plan calls for an extra dose eight months after people get their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. https://t.co/JAiU4v9Qo3
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 18, 2021
“Here’s what you need to know: If you are fully vaccinated, you still have a high degree of protection from the worst outcomes of Covid-19, severe disease hospitalization and death,” Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General, said at a press briefing.
“We are not recommending that you go out and get a booster today. Instead, starting the week of Sept. 20,” he added
“We will continue to follow the science on a daily basis, and we are prepared to modify this plan should new data emerge that requires it,” federal officials added.
Five states in the US are now breaking records for the number of COVID cases this week. Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon, and Mississippi have reported new highs as Delta targets 30-somethings and unvaccinated children.
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, free, and highly effective – but even highly effective vaccines experience a reduction in protection over time. Today the CDC is announcing new planning for booster shots to protect people and families and stay ahead of the curve on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/8y7SU5MpHz
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 18, 2021
“The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, free, and highly effective – but even highly effective vaccines experience a reduction in protection over time. Today the CDC is announcing new planning for booster shots to protect people and families and stay ahead of the curve on COVID-19,” posted the White House on Twitter.
Read the full report at the New York Times.
