WHO Says Immunocompromised Folks Need a Third Fold of Protection
On Monday (Oct 11), the World Health Organization (WHO) dropped an important hint for those with weaker immune systems: a third dose of the COVID‑19 shot could be the difference between a mild cough and a hospital stay.
Why the Extra Dose?
The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) stepped in and said that when your body can’t produce enough antibodies after the usual two‑dose run‑through, a third jab becomes a vital safety net. “It’s all about giving them the boost they need before the virus decides to play a game of ‘guess who’s not protected,’” said WHO vaccine chief Kate O’Brien during a news briefing.
Sinopharm & Sinovac: The Older Age Group Woes
In a twist, the same panel also highlighted that folks over 60 who received the Chinese-made vaccines—Sinopharm and Sinovac—may want a shot more than a year after finishing their original series.
- Observational studies from Latin America showed a dip in protection for older people after just two doses.
- Adding a third dose or shifting to a 2 + 1 schedule can spark a stronger immune response, according to panel chair Joachim Hombach.
Health officials using these vaccines are advised to first make sure everyone in the older age bracket gets through the twin‑dose phase, then add the precious third jab as a safety blanket.
Who’s in the Chair & What’s Next?
The SAGE group, a panel of independent experts, will dig into the global data on boosters at a meeting on Nov 11. They’re keeping an eye on how new variants and waning immunity could shift the playbook.
How Many Shots? How Many People?
- So far, about 3.5 billion doses have reached people worldwide.
- Each month, roughly another 1.5 billion doses could help reach the goal of vaccinating 40% of every country’s population by year‑end. Yet the distribution isn’t exactly a level playing field.
O’Brien compared the approach to life jackets, saying that “handing out the next booster to people who already had a first rescue jacket feels a tad unfair.” She added that the real priority is “getting that first life jacket to those with immunocompromising conditions.”
