The Case Against Delaying Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA Vaccine Boosting Doses
Paul D. Bieniasz
Abstract
2-dose vaccination without leaving large numbers of susceptible individuals at risk. Of course, the licensure of additional vaccines would help alleviate the shortage, although most leading candidate vaccines require 2 doses, and the same issues will apply if supplies are insufficient and the efficacy data support short-term protection from 1 dose. Whenever supplies become adequate, shorter intervals between the first and second doses can be instituted. The issue here is to protect the largest number of people in the shortest possible time. Note Potential conflicts of interest. S. A. P. is a consultant to Moderna for cytomegalovirus; a consultant to Sanofi and Merck unrelated to coronavirus; and consultant to Valneva and Codagenix. N. H. serves on data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) for a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine developed by INOVIO, a meta-DSMB for multiple COVID-19 vaccine trials sponsored by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness, and he served on the mock Vaccine and Related Biologic Products Advisory Committee for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.