Are COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Needed? The Science behind Boosters
Burckhardt, Rachel M., Dennehy, John J., Poon, Leo L. M., Saif, Linda J., Enquist, Lynn W.
Abstract
Waning vaccine-induced immunity coupled with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to increases in breakthrough infections, prompting consideration for vaccine booster doses. Boosters have been reported to be safe and increase SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody levels, but how these doses impact the trajectory of the global pandemic and herd immunity is unknown. Information on immunology, epidemiology and equitable vaccine distribution should be considered when deciding the timing and eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
Topics & Concepts
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)BiologyVirology2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Infectious disease (medical specialty)MedicineOutbreakDiseasePathologySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesVaccine Coverage and Hesitancy