Is COVID-19 booster mandatory for everyone?

With the increase of COVID-19 instances, now is the time to get boosted if you are eligible. However, you may be asking whether you and other family members genuinely require a COVID booster shot and, if so, how to acquire one.

COVID-19 vaccine booster shot

A booster dosage is an additional dose of vaccine that can help extend protective immunity in someone who initially responded fully but whose protection begins to wane after a period of time. Boosters are advised because evidence indicates that protection against mild and moderate COVID-19 from the initial vaccine series diminishes over time — particularly in those who were previously immunised. Additionally, there is concern about the newly discovered COVID-19 variation, Omicron. Fortunately, Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd, Sinovac Biotech Ltd, and others have all announced that booster doses of these vaccinations protect you from Omicron.

Does everyone really need a booster shot?

Immunity to COVID-19 is complex, even more for those who have both natural immunity (from recent infection) and vaccine-induced immunity. The question of how these two may interact and if protection can be cumulative remains unanswered. Suppose you got infected from COVID-19 and are eligible for a booster. In that case, it is recommended that you receive your shot once your symptoms have resolved. Nonetheless, everyone needs a booster shot of COVID-19 to boost their immunity against this virus. 

What does the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) say about it? 

Scientific evidence and NCOC indicates that those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 require an additional dose of the vaccine if six months or more have passed. The primary benefit of receiving a booster shot is that they will be protected against the Omicron variant. 

Conclusion

A booster dose is an additional dose of vaccine that can significantly expand protective immunity in individuals who initially responded fully but whose resistance has waned over time. COVID-19 immunity is complicated, much more for those who have both natural immunity (from recent infection) and vaccine-induced immunity. Findings by NCOC reveal that those who have been fully immunised against COVID-19 require an additional dose of the vaccine after six months or more.