WHO COVID-19 Vaccines Research: Can booster doses contribute to control this pandemic: what research is needed?

Overview

The global consultation aimed to answer the fundamental question: Are booster doses needed, if so when, for which vaccines, and in whom? Additional doses may be needed if primary vaccination does not induce enough immunity (such as in immunocompromised persons), vaccine induced immunity wanes over time, or new variants escape vaccine-induced immunity. In all situations there needs to be a clear benefit of boosting to outweigh any risks (safety, public health outcomes, long-term consequences). This risk-benefit assessment should be made with respect to the relative priority and importance of the different outcomes assessed (immunogenicity, infection, mild or severe disease, transmission). Any decisions on booster dosing needs to be based on the science and the relevant moral framework.