What You Need To Know About The COVID-19 Booster Shots

What You Need To Know About The COVID-19 Booster Shots

Since the Wall Street Journal reported a recent update by the US health regulation about a possible recommendation for a Covid-19 booster shot, confusion has reigned. According to the report, this booster shot will be administered at least 6 months after the previous dose for the 18 years and older vaccinated people.

With the Covid cases continuing to spike after the identification of a delta variant, experts are probing the benefits of Covid-19 vaccines and booster shots, especially for people who are immunocompromised.

Are immunocompromised individuals at higher risk?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently developing a plan for the Covid-19 vaccine boosters. This plan will reportedly clarify when and which vaccinated individuals should receive booster shots. This news is targeted at people with suppressed immune systems. As many people are eligible for a vaccine, but it may not provide rigorous protection if their immune system is already compromised due to a previous Covid infection.

Research indicates that many immunocompromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients and those on immune-suppressing medications, have reported a weak response to the initial dose of the vaccine. Therefore, due to a weakened immune system, these patients are unfortunately at a higher risk of serious illness from a number of infectious diseases.

Primary care physicians at MKR medical PC have also seen cases with people who have a weak immune system, struggle even after getting vaccinated. A general opinion of all doctors today is that immunocompromised patients are far more likely to contract a “breakthrough infection” than people with normal immunity. A recent US study also backs up this claim with a staggering 40% to 44% of hospitalized cases reported of solely immunocompromised people. Therefore, all physicians today recommend that if you or someone in your family is on the medications which are on the CDC list, consider yourself unvaccinated and go for a third booster shot.

How will a booster shot benefit?

An extra covid-19 vaccine will mobilize more antibodies against the virus, aiding in a revived and stronger level of protection. Although current evidence supporting an additional dose isn’t definitive, researchers are optimistic about the approach. The booster shot, especially for the immunocompromised individuals, can pose as a renewed chance at life, giving their body a literal boost to fight the virus more aggressively. So, consult your team of doctors if you are on a transplant list or undergoing blood cancer treatment, and get the booster shot at the earliest.

MKR Medical PC and our team of internal medicine specialists are here to provide you and your loved ones with the best health care services. So, schedule your appointment for a comprehensive health check-up and clarify your concerns with our primary care physicians.