The United States is going forward with its plan of offering a third booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccines. The third dose is expected for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, strengthening the immune system. Now the president has officially announced that he and the first lady plan, in fact, to take the third shot as well: “We got our shots, all the way back in, I think December. So it’s past time.”
The official announcement was made during a recent interview, and president Biden also explained that the shots would be available by September for those who were vaccinated eight months ago. This decision was criticized by many health experts worldwide, as many developing countries still struggle to obtain the vaccines they need. President Biden declared that he does not see an issue with booster shots in America, even as many people around the globe have not received even the first dose.
He explained that the United States has already “provided more to the rest of the world than all the rest of the world combined.” The United States is also expected to give half a billion doses by the half of 2022. “Before we get to the middle of next year, we’re gonna provide a half a billion shots to the rest of the world. We’re keeping our part of the bargain. We’re doing more than anybody,” Biden declared. However, as many have already explained, this number is not enough to solve the vaccine crisis in most countries.
Infectious diseases expert Muge Cevik wrote that “Two doses reduce the risk of worst outcome pretty well. I understand boosting elderly and immunocompromised, but there is nothing to justify boosters for all.” Boghuma Kabisen Titanji from the Emory University School of Medicine also explained that it is more important to offer the first dose to unvaccinated people than giving third doses to the vaccinated population.
