Could we soon be rolling up our sleeves for a fourth
COVID-19 vaccine shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not
recommended another dose just yet, but some doctors say it seems likely –
especially as the vaccine's effectiveness goes down over time.
The CDC released a new study last week on the vaccine
effectiveness after the third dose. It showed that effectiveness went down from
91% to 78% protection four months after getting the booster.
Other countries, such as Israel and Sweden, have both
started giving out a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine. Doctors say results there
will be informing the decisions made in the U.S.
An FDA official also suggested a fourth dose of the
COVID-19 vaccine might be needed closer to fall – when residents usually line
up for the flu shot.