Boosters to extend vaccine protection against COVID-19 may prove unnecessary for many people, said one of the lead scientists behind the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Oxford University professor Sarah Gilbert told The Telegraph that the immunity of the vaccine remains high – even against the delta variant.
While older people and those with weakened immune systems may require boosters, the standard two-shot regimen provides long-term protection for most people, he said.
“We will review each situation; those with compromised immune systems and the elderly will receive boosters, ”he commented.
“But I don’t think we need reinforcements for everyone. Immunity is prolonged in most people ”.
Gilbert stated at a time when the Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunization, a panel of experts that advises the British government, is expected to issue a recommendation in the coming days on the scope of any vaccination booster campaign.
Britain’s medical regulator declared on Thursday that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were safe as boosters.
Britain’s Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he anticipates the reinforcement campaign to start later this month.
Gilbert stated that the global priority should be to get more vaccines to countries with limited supplies.
“We need to bring vaccines to countries that so far have few vaccinated people,” he said. “We have to do a better job in this regard. The first dose has the biggest impact. “
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