WHO Experts: Rather Modified Vaccine Than Booster Repeat

Repeating booster shots is not a viable strategy, say World Health Organization (WHO) experts. Instead, it is preferable to develop new vaccines that better prevent coronavirus transmission.

So far, the WHO has been hesitant with its judgment on adapting existing vaccines to combat the dominant omikron variant. It is much more contagious than the delta variant, although the disease symptoms are milder.

Corona vaccines that can effectively combat infection and transmission, as well as serious symptoms and deaths, are needed and must be developed, according to the expert group. These should trigger a strong immune system response to reduce the need for repeat booster shots.

The pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and BioNTech expect to have their modified vaccine ready in March. Moderna is aiming for the fall with its omikron vaccine.