Chief Medical Adviser to President Joe Biden has assured Nigerians on the efficacy of booster shots against COVID-19.
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Dr Anthony Fauci who is also the director of, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Maryland, disclosed this during a webinar on Monday.
Fauci spoke at the National Summit on COVID-19 themed “End the Pandemic and Build Back Better.” The webinar was organized by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 led by Boss Mustapha.
The medical advisor explained that booster shots protect against the various COVID-19 variants. He, however, noted that they are still being investigated by scientists.
See the latest health news in Nigeria on the Migration of doctors and nurses
His words, “The third shots also increase so-called memory B cells and T cells, a line of defence produced by the immune system to fend off a virus.
“Memory B cells create antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses, while T cells target and destroy other cells infected with a virus.
“There is every reason to believe that if you get vaccinated and boosted that you would have at least some degree of cross-protection.”
He also spoke on the concern of the post-COVID-19 infection condition.
Fauci explained that post-COVID-19 infection conditions may imitate different health problems for a period of time.
“Some people experience a range of new or ongoing symptoms that can last weeks or months after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19,” he said.
He also explained why viruses change over time. The health expert said that viruses change through mutation. He defined variant as the change in the mutation of a virus.
Fauci said the Delta variant remained the dominant variant in the US. It is also more transmissible than the Alpha variant.
On the newly discovered Omicron variant, he said reports are a bit encouraging. According to the medical advisor to the White-house, researchers say it may not be so bad.
Also, read the latest health news in Nigeria on Omicron Variant
Meanwhile, NAN reports that the COVID-19 booster shots have been okayed by the PSC. Also, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has recommended it for eligible Nigerians.
A COVID-19 booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine. It is given after the protection provided by the prescribed shot(s) has begun to decrease over time.
The booster shot is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer periods.
Source: The Guardian
