Thread by @EricTopol

New data have shed light on breakthrough infections across all age groups and multiple vaccines
1. The Israel data on restoration of protection vs severe illness with Pfizer booster shots among 4.6 million people
medrxiv.org/content/10.110…

2. The New York State data for decline in protection from confirmed infections in all age groups for Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines among 8.8 million people
medrxiv.org/content/10.110…

3. Summary of recent reports for decline (from >90%) in vaccine effectiveness vs symptomatic infections for Pfizer, Moderna, and AZ vaccines

4. Most breakthrough hospitalizations occur in people over age 65. The summary of recent studies shows a significant reduction of vaccine effectiveness for this subgroup

5. Nearly all breakthrough deaths occur in people over age 60. The Israel data for people 60+ shows protection from death with Pfizer boosters (14.7-fold, primary analysis)
medrxiv.org/content/10.110…

6. Bottom line:
To prevent symptomatic infections, a 3rd shot (booster) will be needed at ~6 months from vaccination in many people.
To prevent hospitalizations and deaths, a booster is necessary for people over age 60.

7. Supporting the last point, preventing deaths