December 13, 2021
1 min read

3 doses optimal against new strain, says Faucci

Fauci’s comment on additional dose comes at a time when the rich nations are expanding their booster program for younger people amid fears of Omicron evading vaccine-induced immunity. …reports Asian Lite News

Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Sunday said three doses of a vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is the “optimal care” but the government will stick to the official definition of fully vaccinated. Speaking at ABC’s ‘This Week With George Stephanopoulos’, Fauci said two doses of mRNA vaccines, Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, and one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will remain the official requirement to determine fully vaccinated individuals.

“For official requirements, it’s still two shots of the mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) and one shot of the J&J for the official determination of what’s required or not. But I think if you look at the data, the more and more it becomes clear that if you want to be optimally protected you really should get a booster,” the top immunologist said.

Fauci’s comment on additional dose comes at a time when the rich nations are expanding their booster program for younger people amid fears of Omicron evading vaccine-induced immunity. The United States has cleared Pfizer booster dose for 16-17-year-olds and Britain is set to open the bookings for booster shots for all people aged 30 and above from December 13.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a technical briefing that Omicron is more transmissible than the Delta strain and reduces vaccine efficacy. Citing early data on the new variant of concern, the UN health agency, however, stressed that Omicron causes less severe symptoms.

The variant of concern first detected in South Africa last month had spread to 63 countries as of December 9, according to the WHO report. Early evidence suggests Omicron causes “a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission”, the WHO said.

The new variant of concern has prompted countries around the world to tighten travel restrictions and review their vaccination policy.

ALSO READ: Omicron reduces vaccine efficacy, says WHO

Previous Story

Biden approves disaster declaration in Kentucky

Next Story

30% of America’s 43 Omicron cases had booster shots

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan reverses support for Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Pakistan retracts support for Trump’s Gaza peace plan, citing differences with Muslim nations’ draft; move reflects domestic sensitivities and regional alignment amid ongoing Middle East conflict diplomacy. In a surprising shift, Pakistan’s

Hamas agrees to release all hostages

Hamas agrees to release all Israeli hostages under Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, backed by global powers and the UN, paving the way for regional stability. Hamas has formally agreed to release

Qatar now under US shield

Trump offers Qatar an unprecedented security guarantee, pledging US military protection amid Israeli strike and Gaza peace negotiations, reinforcing Qatar’s role in regional diplomacy. In an extraordinary move, the United States has

UAE condemns Manchester attack

UAE condemns Manchester synagogue attack; UK deploys extra police, PM Starmer vows protection for Jewish communities while emergency services respond to a shocking Yom Kippur tragedy. The United Arab Emirates has strongly
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE launches global dialogue on sustainable industrial development

GMIS America will explore new industrial opportunities and technologies that

US experts urge US to evaluate ties with Islamabad

Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said that