Booster Shot for One More Vaccine Dose
Pfizer Also Highlights the Need for Three Vaccine Shots
[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] American pharmaceutical company Moderna announced that Americans will be able to receive up to three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. This has raised concerns that it could affect countries with uncertain vaccine supply.
On the 16th (local time), according to CBS News, Moderna CEO St?phane Bancel said that to enhance vaccine effectiveness, a so-called "booster shot" will be provided in the U.S. starting this fall for those who have already received two doses.
Currently, the Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses. Moderna announced that the vaccine's preventive effect reaches 90% six months after the second dose. However, it is still uncertain how long the immunity formed by the vaccine lasts.
Earlier, Pfizer also stated that a third dose might be needed within 12 months after completing the second dose of their vaccine. Some experts believe that a third dose will help increase resistance to variant COVID-19 strains spreading in the U.S., Brazil, and the U.K.
The U.S. government is currently planning the booster shot rollout. Since the U.S. is prioritizing its own population regarding vaccine distribution, there are concerns that confirming a third dose could make vaccine supply more difficult for other countries.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 38% of the U.S. population has received at least one vaccine dose, and 24% have completed vaccination.
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