The World Health Organisation, WHO, has elucidated the significance of re-vaccination against COVID-19 in order to prevent infection or reinfection.
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Technical Lead for COVID-19, said re-vaccination is important because as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the virus is constantly changing and adapting.
“This means that the immunity we gain from vaccination or infection can wane over time. Re-vaccination helps to boost our immune systems and provide us with renewed protection against the virus.”
Van Kerkhove, who noted that the world has currently administered 13.5 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, said the WHO recommends that all people who have completed their primary vaccination series get a booster dose.
“This is especially important for people who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.”
She said the exact duration of protection from re-vaccination is still being studied, but evidence suggests that it can last for several months.
“Re-vaccination can help to reduce the risk of infection with COVID-19 as well as reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death. It also reduces the risk of long-term complications of COVID-19.”
Re-vaccination is accessible from many healthcare practitioners, and serious side effects are very rare. Apart from getting vaccinated again, you can safeguard yourself against COVID-19 by donning a mask in busy or indoor environments, often washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, and avoiding close contact with sick persons.
If you experience any symptoms, get a COVID-19 test. By doing so, you’re helping to safeguard others as well as yourself.
