translated from Spanish: U.S. discusses vaccinating people at risk with a third booster dose

U.S. researchers continue to study the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines and the health impact they had on those who obtained full immunization. The goal is to determine whether risk groups should receive a third dose. The studies focused on the population over 65 years of age and immunocompromised patients. Although a few weeks ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC stressed that there was no need to apply a new dose, the position could change over the next few days. Amanda Cohn, medical director of the CDC’s immunization division, told an agency advisory committee that officials were “actively looking for ways” to provide certain people with access to these booster vaccines “before any potential changes in regulatory decisions.” This story was revealed by The New York Times, which noted that the consensus to apply another dose is growing as the Pfizer lab’s vaccine is less effective against COVID-19 after six months.” Pfizer’s ongoing global study of participants in its clinical trials shows that four to six months after the second dose, the effectiveness of the vaccine against symptomatic infection drops from 95% to 84%, according to the company,” the article revealed. For its part, a week ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised against a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.” The goal of this vaccine is not to prevent mild or low, moderate infectious diseases. The goal is to avoid hospitalization until death. Right now, this vaccine has kept up,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA’s external vaccine advisory committee. One of the drawbacks that is placed on the table is the disbelief that could be generated by the confirmation that a third dose is necessary to strengthen the immune system. “We don’t want people to believe that when you talk about boosters, that means vaccines are not effective,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said at a hearing he gave to U.S. congressmen on Tuesday. Normally, the FDA would authorize the use of a booster dose, perhaps after a meeting of its external advisory committee. Then the CDC, which has its own advisory committee, would have to formally recommend it,” said Offit.2.7% of the population – according to the CDC – has compromised immune systems. This group includes cancer patients, those who were transplanted or those who have infectious diseases, among others.

Original source in Spanish