Pfizer states that its booster shot effectively protects against the omicron variant

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all Americans receive a COVID-19 booster in light of the latest COVID-19 variant.

Individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines should get a booster six months after their last dose, whereas those vaccinated with Johnson and Johnson should obtain a booster two months following their shot.

The omicron variant may spread more easily than other variants, featuring multiple spike protein mutations that could reduce its responsiveness to COVID-19 vaccines. It has been classified as a "variant of concern" — the highest severity category — by the World Health Organization.

"The recent rise of the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) highlights the critical need for vaccination, boosters, and preventive measures to safeguard against COVID-19," stated CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on Nov. 29.

"Initial findings from South Africa indicate that the omicron variant may spread more easily, and researchers in the U.S. and globally are urgently assessing vaccine effectiveness against this variant," the statement added.

There has been significant coverage regarding booster shots as the pandemic has progressed. Here’s everything you should know about COVID-19 boosters at this moment — and how it might impact your travel plans.

The most recent updates

Pfizer announced on Dec. 8 that two doses of its vaccine exhibited "significantly decreased" effectiveness against the omicron variant; however, three doses were able to "neutralize" the variant. Pfizer also indicated that even individuals with just two doses (without the booster) might still have protection against severe COVID-19 cases.

"While two doses of the vaccine may still provide some protection against severe illness from the omicron variant, preliminary data clearly indicate that a third dose enhances that protection," stated CEO and chairman Albert Bourla.

This announcement followed Dr. Anthony Fauci's remarks less than a day earlier, where he mentioned that the variant seemed to be less severe compared to the delta variant.

"It's still too early to assess the exact severity of the illness, but the early indications we are receiving — though anecdotal — suggest that the cases observed so far do not exhibit a particularly severe disease profile," Fauci commented on Dec. 7, according to the Hill.

Around the globe, nations have hurried to respond to the emergence of the variant.

In late November, the Biden administration prohibited entry into the United States for travelers from eight South African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This temporary restriction applies to anyone who has been in these countries within the past 14 days and does not affect American citizens or permanent residents. Non-U.S. citizens from the affected nations are barred from entering the U.S., with limited exceptions.

Numerous countries, including Israel and Morocco, have implemented travel restrictions due to the omicron variant. These travel bans arise as the World Health Organization warned nations against swiftly enacting travel restrictions in response to reports of a new COVID-19 variant, advocating for a "risk-based and scientific approach."

On Nov. 29, President Biden once again encouraged Americans to receive a booster shot to safeguard against the variant, stating that "a fully vaccinated and boosted individual is the most protected against COVID."

Who qualifies for a COVID-19 booster shot?

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 18 and older should receive a booster shot. Individuals vaccinated with the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must have completed their initial series at least six months prior. Those who received the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine should obtain a booster at least two months after their initial dose.

What have health professionals said regarding COVID-19 booster shots?

As the omicron variant spreads, health experts are adopting a more urgent strategy to ensure booster shots are accessible to Americans.

Fauci mentioned in early August that immunocompromised individuals might not receive adequate protection from the two-dose vaccines. More recently, he has advised that people should get a booster due to the emergence of the new variant.

"Whether we're facing a harsh winter or an even harsher one will largely depend on our actions," Fauci stated on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Nov. 28. "This is a crucial call for unity; let’s set aside our differences and ensure that if you're unvaccinated, you get vaccinated. If you're fully vaccinated, please get boosted, and ensure the children are vaccinated as well. We have the opportunity now."

However, there are significant concerns about the uneven distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the Global South, where millions are still waiting for their first and second doses.

While numerous developed nations are rapidly vaccinating their populations, much of Africa trails behind the rest of the globe in vaccine distribution. According to health authorities, over 80% of the world's vaccines have been administered in wealthy countries, while low-income nations, primarily in Africa, have received merely 0.6% of all vaccines. The WHO has consistently urged wealthier nations to reconsider their booster policies to allow lower-income countries the opportunity to vaccinate their populations.

"Every day, six times as many boosters are given out globally compared to primary doses in low-income nations," WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked in early November. "This situation is a scandal that must end immediately."

What should I know if I received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has an efficacy rate of 66%, whereas Pfizer boasts 95% and Moderna 94%.

Initial findings indicate that individuals who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine may gain advantages from a booster shot of Moderna or Pfizer.

The FDA has now recommended that individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should get a booster shot of the same vaccine as soon as two months after their initial dose. This is encouraging news for the millions who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the United States, especially since some countries do not accept this vaccine for travel purposes.

What about kids?

Families with young children under 5 may be curious about how a mixed-vaccine status could affect their travel plans.

When traveling domestically with children, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination mandates. However, New York City requires children aged 5 to 11 to present proof of at least one vaccine dose starting Dec. 14. Those aged 12 and older must show full vaccination against COVID-19 by Dec. 27 to dine indoors or access entertainment venues.

Even if you haven't traveled since the start of the pandemic, it's likely not surprising that taking kids abroad has changed significantly. Vaccinated adults traveling with unvaccinated children may face additional travel requirements due to the pandemic.

Nonetheless, many countries with strict vaccination rules accept a negative COVID-19 test as proof for children who cannot be vaccinated.

At present, the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA for children aged 5 and older.

Vaccines undergo a thorough process to achieve emergency use authorization. The FDA has previously assured that it would not "cut any corners" in approving vaccines for very young children, aiming to ease the concerns of anxious parents. The agency is also exploring various dosing strategies, meaning that young children will likely not receive the same dosage as adults.

Currently, the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are restricted to individuals aged 18 and over. The CDC advises everyone aged five and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19.