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W.Va. doctor says COVID booster shots could help immunity, but not recommended yet


Dr. Joanna Bailey said medical professionals are not recommending COVID booster shots just yet. (Sinclair Broadcast Group Photo){p}{/p}
Dr. Joanna Bailey said medical professionals are not recommending COVID booster shots just yet. (Sinclair Broadcast Group Photo)

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The rise of Delta variant cases is a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic isn't over, and there are still many unknowns.

Booster shots are pretty common for things like the mumps, measles or tetanus, but family medicine doctor Joanna Bailey said medical professionals don't know if boosters are necessary for COVID just yet.

"For COVID, the jury's still kinda out," Bailey said. "I think Pfizer is pushing the booster dose. They're hoping to get it approved. But we have to remember that Pfizer is a drug manufacturer. They're hoping they can turn a profit off this vaccine."

Bailey said booster shots could be helpful for people with compromised immune systems, but booster doses aren't being recommended right now. She said getting people vaccinated is still the main focus.

"In the US, we have plenty of vaccine available, and it would be feasible for us to start boost dosing," Bailey said. "We have to remember that there are countries around the world that still don't have adequate numbers of vaccines to give to their population. And while they may be thousands of miles away, those variants do spread around the world relatively quickly."

Masks could be making a comeback. Right now, West Virginia doesn't have a mask mandate in place, but Bailey said she wouldn't be surprised to see that again.

"I see us having mask mandates maybe again, or at least heavily encouraged," Bailey said.

The goal of reaching herd immunity is still within reach if, Bailey said, people work together.

"There are people out there who will never develop immunity to COVID," Bailey said. "People who have suppressed immune systems because of medications they take, or health conditions that they have. They don't have any hope of being immune to COVID. It's the duty of the rest of us to make sure we can get to herd immunity in our communities so we don't give it to those who don't have the option."


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