Necessity of fourth COVID-19 vaccine booster shot divides experts
Medical experts around the world continue to research solutions to curb the pandemic, with some suggesting a fourth COVID-19 vaccine — a second booster shot — could be key to stopping emerging variants.
Second booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine for the vulnerable have been approved In Denmark, Chile and Israel, while in Australia, the ATAGI has approved a fourth dose for people with weakened immune systems.
But the necessity of a second booster shot for the general population has been a subject of global debate.
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Medical experts around the world continue to research solutions to curb the pandemic, with some suggesting a fourth COVID-19 vaccine — a second booster shot — could be key to stopping emerging variants. 9News
Virologist Dr Lara Herrero said booster shots could be the key to lessening the blow of COVID-19, and future variants.
"It boosts your immune system such that if you do get infected, that infection is cleared really fast," she said.
"I think most scientists agree variants will be a thing of the future."
Rod Pearce from the Immunisation Coalition said the benefits of a fourth dose of vaccine were under investigation, and they had not yet been confirmed as necessary.
"At this stage, we don't have the information. We don't have the data, and we don't expect a need for the fourth dose for the general community."
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The necessity of a second booster shot for the general population has been a subject of global debate. 9News
Research currently suggests three doses of vaccine are 90 per cent effective in preventing severe disease from the Omicron variant.
Both Pfizer and Moderna are developing booster shots that protect specifically against Omicron, which could be ready in March.
But their effectiveness could depend on future mutations of the virus.
Dr Pearce said vaccines would likely be developed to cover multiple strains of the virus.
"We've seen flu vaccines that include four strains rather than just three so we would expect that there will be probably a combined vaccine," he said.
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Clinical trials are currently underway for Novavax's combined flu and COVID-19 jab.
Moderna has also revealed a single-dose vaccine in the works, expected to be launched in 2023.
"With a bit of luck, it won't be until next year before we need it," Dr Pearce said.
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