Spread of Covid-19 variants heightens debate over extra vaccines
- Countries such as Indonesia are offering health workers who have been vaccinated with Sinovac an extra shot from Moderna
- Meanwhile, the WHO has rebuked richer nations for planning boosters while other countries face shortages
A growing number of countries are considering third vaccine shots, but it is still not clear that this is the most effective way to tackle Covid-19 as new variants spread and it remains unknown how long their protection lasts.
Scientists say this is a complicated question and the answers could vary according to individual or national circumstances – or the vaccines involved.
The World Health Organization says so far there is no evidence booster shots are needed.
“Currently, data shows us that vaccination offers long-lasting immunity against severe and deadly Covid-19,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday.
“The priority now must be to vaccinate those who have received no doses and protection,” he said, in an apparent criticism of highly vaccinated nations planning extra shots amid an ongoing global shortage.
The United States has already booked 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, eyeing a potential need for boosters, while on Sunday Israel began offering third shots to those with immune deficiencies.