COVID-19 vaccine boosters not widely needed, top FDA and WHO scientists say

Additional COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are not yet needed for the general population, according to a new medical journal article from leading international scientists, including some from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Writing in the Lancet medical journal, the scientists said "efficacy against severe disease remains high," with more evidence needed to justify broad use of boosters. That view goes against U.S. government plans to begin offering another round of shots to many fully vaccinated Americans as soon as next week, contingent on approval from health regulators. "Any decisions about the need for boosting or timing of boosting should be based on careful analyzes of adequately controlled clinical or epidemiological data, or both, indicating a persistent and meaningful reduction in severe disease," the Lancet article reads. As COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant of the virus rise, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is concerned that infections among those already vaccinated are a sign that their protection is waning and has pushed boosters as a way to rebuild immunity, despite an argument by WHO officials that the vaccines are still needed for first doses around the globe.  There is a growing body of evidence showing vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness or death.  The risk-benefit evaluation should consider the number of severe COVID-19 cases that booster shots would be expected to prevent, and whether it is safe and effective against the current variants, they said.