Fauci says he wouldn’t be surprised if the full regimen is three doses

Dr. Anthony Fauci, a White House medical adviser, said Thursday that he would not be surprised if the full recommended regimen for Pfizer and Modern Covid-19 vaccines in the U.S. became three doses, instead of two.

Giving people an extra dose, or perhaps a final dose, several months after receiving the initial vaccination, helps mature the immune system, said Fauci, also director of the National Institute of Allergy and Disease. Infectious.

“I have to say from my own experience as an immunologist, I wouldn’t be at all surprised that the proper regimen suitable for vaccination is probably three doses,” Fauci told reporters during a Covid White House briefing.

Infectious disease expert comments come as the Biden administration prepares to begin widely distributing Covid booster shots in the week of September 20th.

The plan, outlined by senior health officials last month, calls for a third dose eight months after people receive the second vaccine from the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Federal health officials, citing three new studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said protection against the Covid infection vaccine declined several months after people received their second dose.

Health experts say it’s not uncommon for vaccines to require more than two doses. Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines, for example, require third doses, with several months between the second and third shots.

While Americans may need a third shot, some health experts have urged officials not to call them “boosters.” This is because, like other vaccines, Americans may not need more boosters later.

Fauci said Thursday he would leave it to the Food and Drug Administration and other regulators to decide on the full regimen, but added that it is reasonable to believe that three doses provide a more lasting immune response.

“If it’s durable, you’re likely to have a regular three-dose regimen,” he said.