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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