Insufficient data to suggest third COVID-19 vaccine booster shot necessary for general public: Infectious disease expert

While it’s likely that booster vaccines will be needed for the highest risk population, Dr. Barrett says there is insufficient data to suggest a third COVID-19 vaccine for the general population.

HALIFAXtoday \  Stephen Wentzell

As the province prepares to move into phase 5 of the government’s reopening plan, an infectious disease expert is warning that a fourth wave is still possible for Nova Scotia.

Dr. Lisa Barrett tells The Rick Howe Show that while the province approaches the 75 per cent threshold for double vaccinations, limiting active case counts should also be a priority.

Most modelling and projections, according to Dr. Barrett, indicate an increased caseload this fall resulting in a spike of hospitalizations.

She reminded Nova Scotians that vaccinations are the cornerstone of moving forward through the pandemic.

Dr. Barrett said while it remains to be seen whether a booster shot for COVID-19 becomes necessary, she also noted it’s not unexpected for antibodies to naturally go down in levels over time.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not protected,” Dr. Barrett said. “Until we see that in the real world, that people are more susceptible after six months, I would expect your immune system is still going to do a good job. We just don’t measure it well.”

Dr. Barrett noted that those who are immunocompromised, or have received a transplant, may have lower levels of protection overall. While it’s likely that booster vaccines will be needed for the highest risk population, Dr. Barrett says there is insufficient data to suggest a third COVID-19 vaccine for the general population.

Masks have become what Dr. Barrett calls a “very big deal”, saying people know they work, and adding that Dr. Strang, the province’s Chief Medical Officer, has said while masks won’t be mandatory in phase 5, masking is still recommended to limit the spread and exposure of COVID-19.

“Masks aren’t gone. They’re just strongly recommended, not mandatory in public places,” Dr. Barrett said.

When it comes to back-to-school, two-thirds of the school population in Nova Scotia are ineligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Barrett says the key to preventing virus spread in the classroom is limiting the amount of community spread, making it less likely for kids to pick up the virus.

“If they want to wear some masks, that doesn’t sound like a terrible idea,” Dr. Barrett said.