U.S. health experts say most people don't need a COVID-19 booster shot -- yet.
But all three companies, which make the vaccines being used in the U.S., are studying whether, and when, they might be. The CEO of Pfizer says itappears a booster will be needed between eight and 12months.
Israel began offering boosters forpeople over50, after seeing the effectiveness of Pfizer's vaccine drop to only 64% against the Delta variant.
The decision on whether to offer Covid-19 boosters in the U.S. will involve the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control, and the process will depend on whether the booster is the same as the vaccines already approved, or a modified version.
Pfizer is working on one targeting the Delta variant; its approvalprocess could be similar towhat happens with flu vaccines each year.
The White House is expected to lay out a booster planfor all vaccinated Americans in September.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Adviser to U.S. PresidentJoe Biden, says eventually, everyone will likely need a booster shot, but it's too early to be certain.
Check out
The China Report
, our new weekly newsletter.Subscribe here!