A review by an international group of scientists has observed that since currently the vaccine efficacy against severe COVID19, even for the delta variant, is high enough, booster doses for the general population is not appropriate during this time of the pandemic. The review has been published in the Lancet, a well-recognized medical journal.
After researching and coming out with cumulative evidence from the observational studies, in peer reviewed journals and pre-print servers, the experts suggest that since vaccinations that have been administered so far have on an average 95 per cent efficacy against severe disease both from the Delta variant and from the Alpha variant, and over 80 per cent efficacy for protecting against any infection from these variants, booster doses are not required at present for the general population.
According to the review by the experts if at all boosters are ultimately administered, it would be necessary to identify specific circumstances where the benefits outweigh the risks. The study has been conducted by scientists from WHO, and US Food and Drug Administration. “The vaccines that are currently available are safe, effective, and save lives,” mentioned co-author of the study, WHO Chief Scientist, Soumya Swaminathan.