Those 12 years and older who completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series are now eligible for a booster dose.
Because much of the worldespecially low- and middle-income countriesremains unvaccinated, the booster plan quickly raised ethical concerns.
Experts predict that administering booster doses will widen the vaccination gap between affluent and less wealthy countries even more.
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Reithinger also says that “most of the data is on infection, rather than hospitalization or death.
The data also does not account for the use of non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as masking and social distancing.
Is It Ethical to Distribute Booster Doses Now?
Nancy S. Jecker, PhD
The problem we face is one of human making.
We are not distributing vaccines equitably, and as a result, more people are dying.
Exacerbating Global Vaccine Inequity
The problem we face is one of human making, Jecker says.
We are not distributing vaccines equitably, and as a result, more people are dying.
Rather than building global community, Biden’s decision serves narrow nationalist goals, Jecker says.
“At an individual level, receiving a third shot may seem like a benefit.
It will maintain and further exacerbate current vaccine inequity.
Then there were the debates about what pop in of masks were effective.
Changes like these are seen by some with skepticism and lack of trust.
Weve only got one years worth of data on the vaccine, and studies are continuing.
Health officials are reportedly prepared to change the booster rollout plans should new data require it.
How Can the Administration Help Other Countries?
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
The White House.Press briefing by White House COVID-19 response team and public health officials.
World Health Organization.COVID-19 virtual press conference transcript - 4 August 2021.
Kaiser Family Foundation.KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor: July 2021.
Department of Health & Human Services.Joint statement from HHS public health and medical experts on COVID-19 booster shots.
