By the end of January 2022, 6.1 million Israelis had received two doses of the COVID shots; of that number, two-thirds, or about 4.4 million had received three doses. Yet, despite the high vaccination rates, the country experienced what they call an “unprecedented” number of COVID infections.
This triggered another vaccination campaign to put a fourth shot into citizens’ arms. What scientists have learned now is that “overall the presumed vaccination-related immunity to SARS-CoV-2 has only a negligible long term (>70-days)” effect on transmissibility of the virus.
So, is the risk of all the reported adverse events worth such a short period of presumed protection? According to the researchers:
“The demonstrated short-lived immunity and rapid waning on one hand, combined with the limited impact on population on the other, may focus the need for boosters for high-risk groups only, with immediate impact on vaccination campaigns and public health measures upon disease resurgence.”
SOURCE:
Nature November 7, 2022