Vaccine experts: Covid-19 booster shots aren't needed now
There is not strong evidence supporting a 3rd booster dose in immunocompetent people. We have partly seen a misinterpretation of the Israeli data [1] and specifically the single low effectiveness value that appears to be the result of Simpson&#x27;s Paradox [2]. Dr. Fauci reported this single value decline from the high nineties to the high seventies on Andy Slavitt&#x27;s podcast [3]. Pfizer&#x27;s CEO has promoted this same data, Israel&#x27;s 3rd dose campaign is well under way, and Fauci&#x27;s public statements are a strong indicator that the U.S. will follow the same path. British Columbia&#x27;s Dr. Bonnie Henry indicated yesterday [4] that the Canadian numbers do not yet support a general 3rd dose booster but, like the UK, a longer 2nd dose interval due to a First Doses First (FDF) strategy may be a factor.<p>The 3rd dose is safe and will probably provide a small benefit to the recipient as Shane Crotty described in TWiV 802 [5]. The downside is that these doses are in short supply globally where they could make a significant difference.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.covid-datascience.com&#x2F;post&#x2F;israeli-data-how-can-efficacy-vs-severe-disease-be-strong-when-60-of-hospitalized-are-vaccinated" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.covid-datascience.com&#x2F;post&#x2F;israeli-data-how-can-...</a><p>[2] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Simpson's_paradox" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Simpson's_paradox</a><p>[3] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;lemonadamedia.com&#x2F;podcast&#x2F;dr-fauci-answers-your-biggest-questions&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;lemonadamedia.com&#x2F;podcast&#x2F;dr-fauci-answers-your-bigg...</a><p>[4] (YouTube ~3.5min @36m45s)
<a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;youtu.be&#x2F;93Rnjmr7iCk?t=36m45s" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;youtu.be&#x2F;93Rnjmr7iCk?t=36m45s</a><p>[5] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.microbe.tv&#x2F;twiv&#x2F;twiv-802&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.microbe.tv&#x2F;twiv&#x2F;twiv-802&#x2F;</a>