CLEVELAND — The FDA has authorized the COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for people with weakened immune systems.
This – amid reports that healthy people are getting their third dose without doctors’ orders – some even crossing state lines to do so.
Despite widening fears of breakthrough infections, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci says the general population is not yet ready for booster shots.
“Right at this moment, apart from the immuno-compromised, which was just discussed, we do not believe that others, elderly or non-elderly, who are not immuno-compromised need a vaccine right at this moment,” Dr. Fauci said.
Still, some Americans are disobeying those orders – often lying to get a third dose.
“I know people are scared right now. It's normal to be scared,” said Dr. David Margolius, Division Director of General Internal Medicine at MetroHealth. “But the booster shot is not going to help you if you have an intact immune system. It's just going to remind your immune system what Covid looks like.”
The good news, Dr. Margolius says, is you cannot over-vaccinate and there are no risks in getting a third shot.
Still, he says, it's not going to do much for healthy folks.
“If you have a competent immune system and you got a booster today, it would just rev up your immune system and remind your antibodies that covid is around. You might feel lousy a day or two. It won't prepare you any better to deal with Covid,” Dr. Margolius said.
Plus he says, it's unethical.
“To go in for your third dose at this point when folks in other poorer countries haven't gotten any shot is irresponsible and unethical for most people, particularly if they have a competent immune system,” Dr. Margolius said.
Dr. Margolius went on to say that all three vaccines protect us from the delta variant so if you're vaccinated, you're already protected.
And as always, the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others is to get shots into the arms of those who are not vaccinated.
Watch: Marisa Saenz continued our coverage on What's Next on Friday evening.
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