Alternatively, a more targeted vaccine strategy may be more sustainable.
We should be careful in not overloading the immune system with repeated immunization.
Is It Bad to Have Too Many Boosters?
Jessica Olah / Verywell Health
Every day that you walk out and touch things, your immune system is constantly being stimulated.
You dont want to give unnecessary vaccinations but they dont ruin your immune system.
Besides, the vaccines provide only a short burst of antigenic exposure to the immune system.
By evolutionary design, RNA is very short lived, Yang said.
Theres just no way youre going get anywhere close to causing exhaustion or tolerance from getting vaccinated.
There is no evidence yet that this is true for COVID-19.
In fact,recent evidencesuggests that repeated vaccinations and natural infections broadens the immune response to COVID-19.
Nobody ever suggested you should go hide in a bubble and not let your immune system get provoked.
You dont want to give unnecessary vaccinations but they dont ruin your immune system.
Should You Get a Fourth Dose?
Glatt, however, takes a more measured approach.
I think its very reasonable to individualize that decision.
Everybody is different, Glatt said.
It may not be the same for every individual.
Whats Next?
The FDAs panel last week discussed the need for a vaccine that would protect againstmultiple variantsof the virus.
Reducing symptomatic infections may minimize how widely the virus spreads.
The vaccines were designed to produce antibodies that protect against the original version of the COVID-19 virus.
Omicron carries dozens of mutations that make those antibodies less effective at neutralizing the variant.
When antibody levels wane over time, they may no longer work against newer variants.
Boosting antibody levels with additional doses of the vaccine may bolster that protection.
Frequent vaccinations are likely a temporary fixture until more targeted annual vaccines are rolled out.
In the meantime, he said its best to take the protective measures that are available.
Theres almost zero downside to getting a second booster if you had no problem with the prior ones.
If youre unsure if the extra dose is necessary for you, experts recommend speaking with your doctor.
2021;17(9):e1009892.
Published online March 23,2022. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2200674
