A medical worker inoculates a recipient with a COVID-19 vaccine at a temporary inoculation site in Haidian District in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 11, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

There is no need for people who have been vaccinated within one year to receive a booster shot, leading expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) said. The remarks come amid public concerns over the recent COVID-19 resurgence since mid-July, especially the threat posed by the highly contagious Delta variant.

The Chinese mainland on Monday reported 94 domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases. And there are still 15 high risk-areas and 201 medium-risk areas as of Sunday, media reported. 

Shao Yiming, a leading physician and immunologist from the China CDC, said during an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday that antibody body levels slowly decline over time after inoculation. However, the antibody can still stimulate a strong memory response to elevate antibody level in a short period of time.

Although studies have shown that vaccination is still the most effective method of prevention against coronavirus, people who have completed the inoculation should still take daily personal protection measures, to make up for the possible declining efficacy of vaccines, some experts said. 

Experts around the world are working on how to strengthen immunization. There is not enough evidence to suggest that a third dose of vaccine should be given to the entire population, Shao said.   

Based on primary observation, there is no need for most people who have taken two doses within one year to receive a booster shot, Shao said. 

However, Shao said that China is studying on whether it is necessary to carry out booster injections for the elderly with weak immune systems and patients with underlying diseases who have completed immunization for more than 6-12 months, as well as the people who work in high-risk areas.  

The exact time for conducting booster shot is also under research, the expert said. 

Global Times