Coronavirus vaccine manufacturer Johnson and Johnson has announced that a booster of their single-dose vaccine could increase protection against severe illness from 72% efficacy to 94%. The booster dose must be approved by the FDA. Dr. Kathrerine Pannel Chairs the Board of the Mississippi State Medical Association. She says this is another tool for Mississippians to use in combatting the transmission of COVID-19.
“We’ve known that the first round of all three vaccines were highly protective against acquiring COVID-19, but also severe hospitalizations. And now we’re seeing that even with second doses, the Johnson and Johnson and boosters of the others, we can make our antibodies higher therefore the vaccine is even more efficacious over time.”
The FDA has given authorization for booster doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for those who are immunocompromised or ages 65 years and older. But in Mississippi, doctors have been given approval by the Department of Health to administer boosters to those who have increased risk for severe outcomes. MSMA President Dr. Geri Weiland is a pediatrician in Vicksburg. She says booster doses are an important part of continued disease mitigation.
“So if we go back to the Johnson and Johnson, we know that initially, the numbers were around 80%. Of course, 80% protection is better than none, but we know that especially with the Delta variant and other variations you would like to have your efficacy way up there comparable with the other vaccines, the mRNA vaccines which are Pfizer and Moderna.”
Dr. Pannel says this may not be the last time vaccine boosters are needed.
“Just like with the flu which comes year to year, COVID vaccines are going to be something that I think we’re gonna have to be getting used to. And we should always preach for you to get the COVID vaccine even if numbers decline.”
But there are distinct differences between coronavirus booster doses and influenza. Dr. Weiland says flu vaccinations are chosen by experts each year to predict specific strains of the flu that could spread, however, there is always a chance a different strain becomes dominant that year. She says the coronavirus seems to be more consistent, and booster doses will act as stimulants to antibodies as opposed to being new antibodies each year.
Health officials say Mississippians should talk with their doctor if they believe they qualify for a coronavirus booster dose. Booster doses can be administered at any vaccine provider, such as pharmacies, clinics, and county health departments.
