Health officials are predicting there will be strong demand for the third dose of the COVID vaccine when it becomes available next month and AdventHealth Central Florida epidemeologist Dr. Vincent Hsu says for good reason--
"The intent of a third dose," Dr. Hsu said," is to provide that extra protection in populations that are not able to generate that immune response."
Studies show the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time.
"Over a period of several months, eight, nine months or so, that immunity starts to wane and then that extra booster, again the same vaccine, is necessary to boost that immunity up to normal levels where you can be protected."
Dr. Hsu says don't hesitate when you're allowed to get the booster shot. Vaccinated people with weakened immune systems have already begun receiving the third dose.
AdventHealth says it is now treating more than 1600 COVID patients in its hospitals spread over seven counties, the biggest number since the start of the pandemic.
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