Damian Sendler: To protect their citizens from the rapidly spreading Omicron strain of coronavirus, certain countries are distributing fourth doses of the coronavirus vaccination to the most at-risk populations. 

Due to an increase in Omicron instances, Israel has begun administering the fourth dosage of the Covid-19 vaccination to those 60 and older. 

Damian Jacob Sendler: An announcement from Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office revealed this week the possibility of a fourth vaccination for those 60 and older, medical staff, and those with impaired immune systems.

Damian Sendler 

A fourth dose is needed to preserve protection against the Omicron form, according to Germany’s health minister Karl Lauterbach on Thursday, but the country has not yet begun distributing fourth doses. 

Doctor Anthony Fauci of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases said on Wednesday that it is too early in the United States to contemplate a possible fourth dosage of coronavirus vaccine for most people. 

Fauci told WCBS Newsradio 880’s Michael Wallace and Steve Scott, “I think it’s too premature to be talking about a fourth dose,” 

We’ll pay close attention to how long the protection lasts after the third dosage of an mRNA vaccine, Fauci said. There are two mRNA vaccines on the market: Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech. 

A fourth dose may not be necessary for a significant amount of time if the two-dose, non-boosted group’s protection is much better than the two-dose, boosted group’s protection, Fauci added. And because we are talking about a fourth dose here in the United States, I believe it is premature. 

CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told CNN’s John Berman on Tuesday that third doses appear to be providing “durable protection,” for the time being. Once data on fourth doses is available, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will examine and consider whether they might be needed nationally. 

According to Walensky, “If there’s science and when there’s science that demonstrates that that is necessary, we will certainly be reviewing that,” 

As of today, “Right now, we’re working to make sure that our vaccinated people get a booster,” she explained. It is not uncommon for vaccinations to require a primary series plus a booster for long-term protection.” Even though it’s a significant subject to consider, I believe that this booster shot gives us some more protection for the time being. 

Antibody levels against Omicron are increased by a Moderna booster shot, according to the manufacturer. 

There is still a lot of uncertainty about whether or when a fourth dose could be necessary in the United States, and how quickly protection may fade after the third dose. 

According to Moderna’s chief medical officer, Dr. Paul Burton, “We’re going to have to wait for a couple of months yet until we can see how those data develop and mature to understand when will that additional booster dose — if needed — have to be given,” 

Damian Jacob Sendler

It is important to note, however, “getting a booster shot will provide protection throughout the holiday season as well as throughout these winter months,” according to Burton. 

Preliminary evidence suggests that Moderna’s half-dose booster shot raised antibody levels against the Omicron variant compared to the levels seen in a fully vaccinated person who has not had a booster injection. 

Immunocompromised patients may require a fourth dose, according to the CDC. 

A fourth dosage of the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine may be given to persons who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, according to updated guidelines from the CDC released in October. 

As far as the CDC is concerned, those with impaired immune systems may need a fourth Covid-19 injection. 

The CDC recommends a third primary dosage for patients who have received a two-dose Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine series, and emphasizes that a subsequent dose may be delivered if necessary. 

Damien Sendler: In the future, some doctors believe that the United States may follow Israel’s lead and distribute the fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccination to a larger number of people. 

On Wednesday, CNN medical analyst and professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, Dr. Jonathan Reiner, told CNN’s Ana Cabrera that the Israelis understand that the longevity of the booster is probably somewhat limited, and that after three or four months, we may start to see a lack of durability in the booster shot. 

The Israeli strategy is to “boost people that are most in harm’s way now,” such as health care professionals, older adults, and people with preexisting illnesses or who are immunocompromised from medical procedures, Reiner said. 

Reiner told Cabrera, “So with more cases increasing over the world, it becomes sense to take care of the health care system. 

Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler: Clearly, that’s what the Israelis intend to do, and that’s what we intend to do as well.” To reach the point when we receive a fourth dose, we’ll simply take it for an unnecessarily and unacceptablely lengthy duration. Also, I’d want to see urgency. Reiner emphasized the need of nimbleness more than hurry. Our intentions are crystal clear, and the future looks bright. To a large section of this population, we’re going to provide a fourth dose.”

Dr. Damian Jacob Sendler and his media team provided the content for this article.