Thread by @PSampathkumarMD

Officials said that "it's clear" that protection from mRNA COVID vaccines decreases over time, and that the US will recommend boosters for all, 8 months after primary vaccination
Let’s look at the evidence for boosters for ALL

Thread
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2/ In a NY Health Dept study of 10 million NY residents VE against hospitalization remained >90% in May to July 21 when delta comprised 80% of infections cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/7…

3/ mRNA vaccines remain effective at preventing hospitalizations at 24 weeks after vaccination

VE 86% week 2-12
VE 84% week 13-24

cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/7…

4/ In nursing home residents, after two doses of mRNA vaccines
⁃75% VE March-May 21.
⁃67% In May-June
⁃53% in June-July
Cases identified through weekly screening, no info on hospitalizations

cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/7…

5/ These are the 3 pieces of data that was stated as the basis for recommending boosters for all. There does appear to be a reduction in efficacy in preventing infections, but is this enough to make such a sweeping recommendation?

6/ So far most studies indicate the vaccine efficacy against hospitalization and death is preserved.

There is some data that immunocompromised and nursing home residents may benefit from boosters. But it is not "very clear" that everyone needs a booster at this time.

7/ Maybe there will be data in the future that supports this strategy, but we are no where near being clear on this.

We need to be concerned about the effect of this strategy on global vaccine supply, and resultant loss of life.

8/ In addition, boosters may not work if a new vaccine resistant variant emerges elsewhere in the world due to large number of unvaccinated susceptible hosts.