On December 31st it will be 5 years since the World Health Organization was notified about the coronavirus cases in Wuhan, China. Although it seems like a long time, however, there is a lack of information to understand about the condition, including vaccination for its prevention, which is more recent.
Since its creation, the Covid-19 vaccine has been one of the main tools to contain the spread of the virus and reduce serious cases and deaths from the disease. However, while the flu vaccine follows a well-established annual schedule, immunization against Covid-19 is not administered with the same regularity. But why is there this difference?
The answer, according to experts, lies in the nature of each virus.
The coronavirus, although it has mutations, maintains characteristics that current vaccines can combat effectively. The influenza virus mutates more quickly and frequently, requiring annual vaccine updates to guarantee the same protection.
“The main reason is that the behavior of the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is still being monitored and does not follow a seasonal pattern as well defined as that of the flu, which occurs predominantly in winter. SARS-CoV-2 mutates frequently, but in a less predictable way than the influenza virus”, explains Filipe Piastrelli, infectious disease specialist and coordinator of the SCIH (Hospital Infection Control Service) at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz.
The need to adapt vaccines for Covid-19 is being studied, but, until now, boosters have been recommended more widely, according to epidemiological data. Only specific groups should follow the annual vaccination schedule against the disease.
Vaccination frequency: how many doses should I take?
A survey by the Ministry of Health shows that many people interrupted the vaccination schedule after the third dose, failing to complete the immunization cycle with booster doses.
See what the Covid-19 vaccination schedule looks like:
- Babies: 1st dose at six months and booster dose after four months.
- Children: from 5 years old – one dose
- Pregnant women: one dose during pregnancy, and if this does not happen, they need to be vaccinated during the postpartum period.
- Elderly people over 60 years old: should reinforce vaccination every six months
- People with immunodeficiency: should reinforce vaccination every six months
“The protection offered by vaccines against Covid-19 decreases over time, especially against mild forms of the disease. Therefore, taking the fourth dose is important to increase protection, especially against severe forms, hospitalizations and deaths. Currently, the Ministry of Health recommends booster doses mainly for priority groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and those with comorbidities. For these groups, taking the fourth dose is essential. For the general population, the recommendation may vary depending on age and individual risk”, adds Piastrelli.
Why continue getting vaccinated?
According to experts interviewed by CNN, even at the current stage, there are important advantages in maintaining the Covid-19 vaccination plan:
- Keeping your vaccination schedule up to date is essential for:
- Reduce the risk of serious cases and hospitalizations;
- Protect those most vulnerable people;
- Reduce the circulation of the virus
Although Covid-19 has become less lethal with the expansion of vaccines, it still represents a threat, especially for those who are not fully immunized.
“The virus has become less aggressive as it is also adapting to humans. But unfortunately this adaptation is partial, the mutation is happening, the vaccines do not fully protect because of the change in the virus. So the ideal is when the person has the opportunity, they get vaccinated”, adds Celso Granato, infectious disease specialist and clinical director at Grupo Fleury.
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This content was originally published in Why isn’t the Covid-19 vaccine annual like the flu vaccine? on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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