In Kansas City, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is stagnant, suggesting that the metro may be reaching a point of no return. According to doctors at The University of Kansas Health System, new omicron subvariants have taken over.
Recent data from the CDC shows that people who received a booster shot have been catching the virus at a higher rate than people who didn't.
An infectious disease specialist weighed in on the matter. He said what he had to say.
A booster shot is used to strengthen the immune system. Boosters aren't a guarantee that you won't get sick. He said that if you get sick, the illness will be milder and less likely to put you in the hospital than if you didn't have their protection.
The most important thing is the safety and efficacy of the vaccines that keep us out of the hospital. The chance of dying in the hospital is reduced by 90 percent if you're boosted with a vaccine.
According to recent data from the CDC, people who received booster shots may be catching the disease at a slightly higher rate than people who aren't. The dark blue line shows cases among boosted people while the light blue line shows cases among un-boosted people.
This doesn't mean that booster shots are dangerous or cause more people to get infections. Those with booster shots are more likely to seek out lab tests that are reported to health officials, while those without a booster are more likely to take at- home tests that are not officially reported.
The severity of existing cases is important to booster shots' public health impacts.
He said that the protection against infections waned over time. The vaccines are supposed to keep us out of the hospital.
The milder cases commonly experienced by those who have received a booster shot are less likely to crowd hospitals with patients and cause deaths.
You can get a second booster shot after four months if you are over 50. Those with certain medical conditions are given a second booster dose.
You can't get a second booster shot if you're under 50 years old. For more than half a year after your first booster, your level of antibodies remains high.
More than six months out from the last vaccine dose or the first booster, you are protected. People should take comfort in that. You are protected if you have had the primary series.
As the Pandemic drags on into its third year, it is possible that yearly COVID-19 booster shots will become a part of life.
Will we have to get re-boosted every year? The full recommendations from the CDC and the Committee on immunization practices are still pending. Most people expect at least a once-a-year boost, but we are also looking at different versions of the vaccine, so hopefully that will help as well.
The newer strains of the COVID-19 vaccine could be better tackled with a new vaccine. The vaccine for children under the age of 5 could be ready by June 21, according to experts.
Do you have any questions about staying safe? The service journalism team can be reached at kcq@KCstar.com.
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