Covid-19 booster shots are needed to maintain the appropriate level of protection

Getting a booster shot to prevent Covid infection will help protect the community too. - Photo: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

As we head towards the end of the year, there is a sense of deja vu. Malaysia has just had a state election, the number of Covid-19 cases are increasing both globally and domestically, and there are questions regarding the need for Covid-19 vaccination. This time though, the questions centre around the need and safety of booster shots.

Alongside other public health measures like wearing masks, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is the most important life saving tool in the war against Covid-19. Unfortunately, the strong protection vaccines provide wanes over time. This has been demonstrated by studies in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Israel. As our immunity wanes, the rates of infection, serious disease, and death begin to rise.