Why do I need booster doses of vaccines? [WE EXPLAIN]

The producers of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines said in April that it would probably be necessary to administer a third dose of the preparation. Moreover, it is possible that vaccinations will have to be repeated every year. And it’s not unusual.

1. Scientists still don’t know how long protection against COVID-19 will be possible after full vaccination
2. As a result, you will likely need to give your body booster doses repeatedly to keep your body protected from the virus at all times
3. In the case of vaccines, this is not unusual – in Poland it is obtained, inter alia, booster doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis preparations
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Why do I need booster doses of vaccines?

After being given the vaccine, the body produces antibodies, so that in contact with the virus, a person has a better chance of avoiding infection. However, no vaccine provides 100%. immunity.

1. See also: Adverse reactions in children after vaccination against COVID-19. Should parents be afraid of them? We ask the pediatrician

Although the immune system remembers the “enemy” that enters the body through the vaccine, in some cases it may require a booster dose. It is related to the phenomenon of weakening immunity. It is perfectly normal as not all vaccines are lifelong preparations.

Booster doses are given at regular intervals to maintain immunity over a longer period of time.

COVID-19 vaccines. Will I need booster doses?

In early April, Pfizer’s CEO admitted that the company’s COVID-19 vaccine may not provide lifelong protection.

“You will probably need a third dose of the vaccine, and then an annual revaccination,” said Albert Bourla.

Also Stephen Hoge, president of Moderna, suggested that it would be necessary to vaccinate patients who had taken two doses of this drug.

“I think that between 9 and 12 months after fully vaccinating, you will need another dose of the vaccine – only if the pandemic continues to rage,” Stephen Hoge emphasized during a meeting organized by the Clubhouse social network.

1. Editors recommend: Pfizer will test the vaccine on younger children, incl. in Poland

Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky also said annual COVID-19 immunization may be necessary.

At the end of April, Wojciech Andrusiewicz, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, addressed the issue of a possible third dose or booster doses.

– Currently, there are no recommendations in Poland and the EU on the need to administer a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – he said during the conference. However, he noted that the Ministry of Health and experts did not say that a booster dose would not be necessary. – Rather, everything indicates that booster doses will probably be needed, but today it is too early to talk about it – said Andrusiewicz.

Which vaccines require booster doses?

A classic example of a vaccine that requires a booster dose is the DTP vaccine, a combination formulation that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Protection against diphtheria and tetanus declines after 8-10 years and is even faster in whooping cough. Therefore, maintaining immunity requires booster doses every few years.

Three doses of the vaccine and a booster dose are given in turn for polio. The meningococcal vaccine also requires a booster dose.

In addition to the basic vaccinations, it is also worth doing the optional ones. What? You will find them in Medonet Market.

Also read:

1. Adults vaccinated against COVID-19 and the virus is looking for new ‘hosts’. Children at greater risk
2. If a vaccinated person becomes ill with COVID-19, the disease is much milder. Research confirms
3. Brazil: One in six people re-infected with the P.1 mutation
4. How many variants of the coronavirus are currently in Poland? The Ministry of Health has released updated data
5. Fourth wave in autumn? Expert: We are at the beginning of the end of the pandemic

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