A leading scientist behind the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine says booster shots may be unnecessary for many people
LONDON – Strengthening features to extend the protection of COVID-19 vaccines may be unnecessary for many people, a leading scientist behind the AstraZeneca vaccine said on Friday.
Oxford University professor Sarah Gilbert told The Telegraph that immunity to the vaccine was well maintained, even against the delta variant. While the elderly and people with immunodeficiency may need reinforcements, the standard two-dose regimen provides lasting protection for most people, he said.
“We will see every situation; the immune-compromised and the elderly will get boosters, “he said.” But I don’t think we need to empower everyone. Immunity lasts well in most people. “
The comments come as the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Vaccination, a group of experts advising the British government, is expected to make recommendations in the coming days on the scale of any reinforcement program. The British medical regulator said on Thursday that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were safe to use as boosters.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he expects a reinforcement program to start later this month.
Gilbert said the global priority should be to get more vaccines in countries that have received limited supplies.
“We need to get vaccinated in countries where so far few people have been vaccinated,” Gilbert said. “We have to do better in this regard. The first dose has more of an impact. “
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