MOSCOW (AP) – Russian health authorities launched a booster vaccination campaign Thursday for those who were already immunized against COVID-19 more than six months ago, as the country faces a spike in new infections and deaths.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said he received a booster shot and urged city residents to do the same.
“In view of the current difficult epidemiological situation, doctors recommend receiving booster shots six months after vaccination,” Sobyanin said on his blog. “Please do not miss the opportunity to get additional protection against the virus, which is particularly important amid the spread of the more aggressive delta variant.”
Moscow health authorities began offering booster injections on Thursday, with the Russian-made Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines, two and one dose, respectively. Other regions of the country are also beginning to offer booster doses.
Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told a government meeting on Tuesday that the ministry published guidelines for those who contracted COVID-19 to get vaccinated six months after recovering and for those who have already been immunized to receive booster shots six months after. your first vaccination.
Health authorities said the most contagious delta variant of the coronavirus has accounted for the bulk of recent new infections in Moscow and other regions.
The country’s main health doctor, Anna Popova, confirmed on Tuesday that authorities also registered the first infection with the “delta plus” variant, which has an additional mutation, although its meaning is unclear.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova has cited studies indicating that immunity in those who have recovered from the virus persists for six months on average and gradually declines after nine to 12 months.
Guidelines from the Ministry of Health indicate that booster vaccines will be given until at least 60% of the population has immunity against COVID-19. Once that goal is reached, booster shots will be given once a year.
Scientists believe that with most vaccines people get more protection if there is a long interval between injections. There is no evidence that having more vaccines in a short period of time increases the amount of immune protection. It is also unclear how long the protection of COVID-19 vaccines lasts and who will need boosters.
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