The World Health Organization now says COVID-19 vaccine boosters should be offered to the population, starting with those most vulnerable.
The organization is thus moving away from its previous advice, when it claimed that booster doses were not necessary for healthy adults, and recognizes that the supply of vaccines is improving globally.
At a press briefing on Friday, the UN health agency said it is now recommending booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine, starting with the highest priority groups, about four to six months later. the first two doses, following guidelines from dozens of countries that embarked on booster programs months ago.
Last year, the WHO pleaded with wealthy countries to declare a moratorium on offering booster doses until the end of 2021, a plea that was almost entirely ignored.
The agency said its panel of vaccine experts had assessed the growing data on booster doses and noted the decline in immune protection over time.
Strong protection against severe forms
Numerous studies have shown in recent months that booster doses restore antibody levels and offer strong protection against severe forms of the disease, including against variants of the COVID-19 virus such as Delta and Omicron.
“Booster shots are part of the immunization program, but that does not mean unfettered use at all ages,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, director of immunization, vaccines and biologicals at WHO. “We continue to focus on vaccinating the highest priority groups,” she added.
The WHO has also approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children from the age of 5, at a reduced dose. Last fall, countries like Canada and the United States gave the green light to Pfizer’s vaccine for young children.