Countries reduce booster dose interval to deal with Ômicron threat

Although data remain limited, some laboratory studies show that initial vaccination against Covid-19, usually in two doses, is not sufficient to prevent a Ômicron infection, but that a booster dose can help (Image: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid )

A growing number of countries are reducing the booster dose interval for vaccines against Covid-19 from six to three months, in an attempt to contain a new surge in infections caused by the variant Omicron.

Governments are reacting to initial evidence that suggests that Ômicron is spreading faster than its predecessor, Delta, and that it is more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated or had Covid in the past. But there are scientists who say booster doses too soon could compromise the vaccines’ longer-term level of protection.

Although data remain limited, some laboratory studies show that initial vaccination against Covid-19, usually in two doses, is not enough to prevent a Ômicron infection, but that a booster dose can help.

Southern surveys of Africa e do United Kingdom point out that the variant is spreading too quickly, prompting predictions that it will soon overtake Delta in several countries. Scientists are also trying to determine how serious the Ômicron cases are.

Earlier this year, many countries, including the U.S, authorized a booster dose six months after administration of full vaccination.

In this month, South Korea, UK and Thailand shortened this interval to three months. THE Brazil reduced the deadline to four months.

France, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy e Australia reduced the waiting time for a booster vaccine to five months. Some countries, such as the US, South Africa and Germany, are sticking to the six-month schedule.

Source From: Moneytimes

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