| Citizens line up to receive a booster shot at a COVID-19 vaccination center in London, England, on the 19th (local time). © AFP=News1 © News1 Reporter Dongmyeong Woo |
An expert who was involved in the development of the AstraZeneca (AZ) novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) vaccine emphasized that it is impossible to vaccinate multiple times a year.
“We can’t vaccinate every four to six months,” said Andrew Pollard, a professor at Oxford University, told CNN on the 4th (local time).
He also pointed out that booster shots may be needed for high-risk groups, such as the immunocompromised, but not necessarily for all populations over 12 years of age.
Professor Pollard said, “We need more data to know when and how often booster shots are needed even for those with weak immune systems.”
He added that the fourth vaccination should not proceed until additional data are available.
In addition, he pointed out the problem of imbalance in the supply and demand of vaccines around the world.
“It’s impossible and unreasonable to get four doses of the vaccine globally, given the fact that today, less than 10% of people in low-income countries only get their first dose,” Pollard said.
However, he said, the worst is over, even as omicron mutations are spreading around the world.
Professor Pollard said, “The whole world only has to survive this winter. If we get past this crisis, we can open our borders again.”
Meanwhile, Professor Pollard led clinical trials when Oxford University and AZ developed a COVID-19 vaccine, and is currently serving as the chairman of the National Vaccination and Immunization Joint Committee.
khan@news1.kr
