Washington
(August 10, 2021) – As the Delta variant continues to challenge existing
approaches to public health in the United States and around the word, Senator
Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today sent a letter to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) asking for more information on the potential need
for additional “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for
vulnerable groups such as the immunocompromised and seniors. COVID-19 cases
have again surged in the United States, driven by the highly contagious Delta
variant. In his letter, the Senator points to nations such as Israel, Germany,
and France, which have either begun administering COVID-19 boosters or announced
plans to offer booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable populations.
“Although
it is imperative that the United States continue to vaccinate more individuals
against COVID-19, I encourage the CDC to evaluate the potential need for
additional “booster” doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for vulnerable
groups such as the immunocompromised and seniors,” wrote Senator Markey in his letter
to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
A copy of
the letter can be found
HERE.
In his
letter, Senator Markey requests responses to questions that include:
- Does
the CDC believe booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines are necessary to ensure
fully vaccinated individuals continue to be protected from COVID-19 and its
variants such as Delta?
- Does
clinical trial evidence of declining efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines concern the
CDC?
- Has
the CDC been in contact with the Israeli government about its decision to offer
booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals over the age of 60? If so,
what has the CDC conveyed to the Israeli government, and what, response, if
any, has the CDC received?
- Does
the CDC plan to recommend booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk
groups such as immunocompromised individuals or seniors? Does the CDC plan to
recommend booster COVID-19 vaccines for other groups? If so, how?
- Does
the CDC believe that booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines would help curb the
spread of the Delta variant and others?
- Would
booster doses of the vaccine need to be reformulated to better respond to
COVID-19 variants or would booster doses of the existing COVID-19 vaccine
provide sufficient protection against the virus?
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