The booster dose, as well as the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, are very important in trying to contain the wave of coronavirus infections that we have seen in recent weeks, said Dr. Eloisa González, from the Department of Health Los Angeles County Public.
The doctor indicated that the vaccine booster could be available to all those who wish it from September 20. The requirement is that at least eight months have passed since the application of the second injection dose.
“The objective is to increase the protection of the vaccine,” said González, who explained that all injections lose some effectiveness over time, so a next dose is recommended as a booster. “It’s the same thing that happens with immunization against the flu, for example,” said the doctor.
In the case of the third dose, the situation is different. This is available to any individual who has not developed antibodies against COVID-19 despite vaccines. “This can happen when the person has a weakened or compromised immune system. In that case, the third dose is recommended and you don’t have to wait until mid-September ”.
Dr. González explained that at this moment the wave of cases that we are seeing in this city and in most of the United States, is of non-immunized people. “99% of hospitalizations and deaths are from individuals who have not been vaccinated,” said González, adding that for now COVID-19 is the second leading cause of death in Los Angeles County.
Regarding the behaviors to follow, he recommended that despite being immunized, risk situations be avoided, such as attending mass events without protection, and suggested the use of face masks. “You have to remember that even if it is inoculated, it can become infected and infect unvaccinated people.”
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