Are COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Needed? The Science behind Boosters
Rachel M. Burckhardt, John J. Dennehy, Leo L. M. Poon, Linda J. Saif, Lynn W. Enquist
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
Herd immunityBooster (rocketry)PandemicImmunityBiologyVirologyBooster doseCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVaccinationImmunologyVaccine efficacyAntibody responseNeutralizing antibodySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchImmune responses and vaccinationsvaccines and immunoinformatics approaches