Covid-19 has drastically affected the entire world. While there are many measures to contain the spread of infection, the world is still far from being safe because the virus keeps on mutating. There are new strains of the Covid-19 virus, such as the delta and omicron variants. It requires more than just the usual vaccine. It calls for the 3rd shot of vaccine (วัคซีนเข็ม3, term in Thai), also known as the booster shot.
The efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccine
Covid-19 vaccines are effective in preventing a person from contracting the virus or limiting the effect of the virus in the body. However, as the virus mutates, there is a need for a booster shot to further protect the body from the dreadful effect of the virus. Without the booster shot, there is a possibility that the stronger strain of the virus can evade immunity.
The strong immunity caused by the vaccine provides lasting protection against the worst effects of Covid-19. So, why is there is a need for a third shot? Truth be told, the virus continues to mutate. Not to mention, there are still unvaccinated people, especially in a third-world country; as such, they enable the virus to thrive. During infection, the virus reproduces and affects thousands, if not millions of people. When this happens, the virus mutates, leading to new variants – a stronger one. Hence, you can find new Covid-19 variants in places with a high level of transmission. The drive to have a third shot of vaccine (booster shot) is a measure to get ahead of the virus.
Is a booster shot really necessary?
The short answer is yes. There is a dire need to have a third shot or so-called booster shot because the usual Covid-19 vaccine efficacy may reduce over time due to the emerging Covid-19 variants. People who are 65 years old and above are more susceptible to Covid-19 variants like omicron and delta. Omicron, in particular, shows the need to have boosters along with other preventive measures to protect one’s self against Covid-19. Booster shots provide the following health benefits:
- A third shot increases immune response, thereby giving you optimum protection from new strains or variants of Covid-19.
- It helps prevent severe disease symptoms and lessen the chances of hospitalization and death.
- It is all the more beneficial in people with cancer as it offers excellent potentiation, showing a broad boost of antibody titers in patients with hematologic malignancies and tumors.
- A Covid-19 booster dose ensures that you will have adequate protection from the first two doses leading to a longer-lasting and stronger immunity.
- It increases protection against Covid-19; severe side effects of the disease, and slims the possibility of death from Covid-19.
Who should get a Covid-19 booster shot?
Those who already have primary Covid-19 doses are eligible for a booster shot, including pregnant women and immune-compromised individuals. Please take note that the booster dose is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to maintain immunity from Covid-19 infection.
