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Although COVID vaccine effectiveness dipped during the Omicron BA.2/BA.2.12.1 subvariant surge of March–June 2022 compared with the earlier Omicron BA.1 subvariant surge (December 2021–March 2022), immunocompetent individuals who received mRNA boosters benefited from additional protection; this included a 3rd dose among all adults and a 4th dose among adults aged ≥50 years, according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) VISION VE project.
The findings appear in a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Effectiveness of 2, 3, and 4 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Doses Among Immunocompetent Adults During Periods When SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2/BA.2.12.1 Sublineages Predominated — VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021–June 2022. Westat staff among the coauthors include Matthew Levy, Ph.D., Sarah Reese, Ph.D., Akintunde Akinseye, M.S.P.H., Margaret Dunne, M.Sc., and Sarah Ball, Sc.D.
Data continue to show the importance of COVID vaccines for protecting against moderate to severe disease and hospitalization and that booster doses should be obtained immediately when a person becomes eligible.
CDC’s press release: New COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Data Showcase Protection Gained by 3rd and 4th Doses