Current evidence suggests there is no need for Covid-19 boosters in the general population, according to a new report from a group of leading scientists.
The researchers analyzed vaccine efficacy studies and said the available data do not provide reliable evidence of a significant reduction in protection against severe disease after vaccination.
The report, published in the medical journal The Lancet on Monday, was authored by figures including Soumya Swaminathan, Ana-Maria Henao-Restrepo and Mike Ryan of the World Health Organization.
“Although the benefits of primary Covid-19 vaccination outweigh the risks, there may be risks if boosters are introduced widely too soon or too late,” the scientists said. regularly,” the scientists said.
“Therefore, the current evidence does not suggest a need to promote the general population in which efficacy against severe disease remains high,” they continued.
A recent study of the Israeli experience during the first three weeks of August “suggested an effect of a third dose,” compared with two doses.
A very short-term protective effect will not necessarily imply a worthwhile long-term benefit, the researchers say.
According to the report, efficacy against severe disease in Israel was lower in those vaccinated in January or April than in those vaccinated in February or March, “evidencing the difficulty of resolving the disease.” like that data”.
Scientists call for careful and open scrutiny of developing research to ensure that decisions about enhancement are informed by credible science, not by politics.
“Even if a booster is ultimately shown to reduce the risk of serious illness in the medium term, the current vaccine supply could save more lives if it is managed,” the scientists said. used in previously unvaccinated populations than if used as a booster in vaccinated populations,” the scientists said.
