Geneva: World Health OrganizationThe (WHO) Vaccine Advisory Panel has recommended that people who are immunocompromised or have received an inactivated vaccine should receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 shot, it said on Thursday.
Several countries are releasing booster shots targeting the elderly and those with underlying health problems, but concerns about the new Omron version have prompted some to expand their use to larger parts of their population.
With immunization rates worryingly low in developing countries, the WHO has said in recent months that giving a primary dose – rather than a booster – should be a priority.
recommendation comes after strategic advisory group of experts (SAGE) held a meeting on Tuesday to evaluate the need for COVID-19 boosters on vaccination.
Speaking at a briefing, SAGE President Alejandro Craviotto said emerging data shows that the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 has been observed with significant declines, especially in older people.
Kate O’Brien, director of the WHO’s vaccination department, said COVID-19 vaccines protect “very well” for up to six months after the last dose, with some “slight, slight reductions” in protection.
Inactivated vaccines that take the SARS-CoV-2 virus and inactivate or kill it using chemicals, heat or radiation, made by Chinese manufacturers Sinovac Biotech, state-owned Sinofarm and India’s Bharat Biotech,
A single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is still effective, but data from the company’s clinical trials using two doses clearly show the benefit of having further vaccinations, Cravotto said.
Several countries are releasing booster shots targeting the elderly and those with underlying health problems, but concerns about the new Omron version have prompted some to expand their use to larger parts of their population.
With immunization rates worryingly low in developing countries, the WHO has said in recent months that giving a primary dose – rather than a booster – should be a priority.
recommendation comes after strategic advisory group of experts (SAGE) held a meeting on Tuesday to evaluate the need for COVID-19 boosters on vaccination.
Speaking at a briefing, SAGE President Alejandro Craviotto said emerging data shows that the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 has been observed with significant declines, especially in older people.
Kate O’Brien, director of the WHO’s vaccination department, said COVID-19 vaccines protect “very well” for up to six months after the last dose, with some “slight, slight reductions” in protection.
Inactivated vaccines that take the SARS-CoV-2 virus and inactivate or kill it using chemicals, heat or radiation, made by Chinese manufacturers Sinovac Biotech, state-owned Sinofarm and India’s Bharat Biotech,
A single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is still effective, but data from the company’s clinical trials using two doses clearly show the benefit of having further vaccinations, Cravotto said.
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