Commentary: We may not need that Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine after all – CNA

Not all vaccines, however, produce virus-specific killer T cells effectively. For example, the seasonal influenza vaccine does not do so effectively and reliance on antibodies alone for protection is partly why we need annual influenza vaccination. Fortunately, mRNA vaccines have been able to elicit killer T cell responses well.

But will we need to get repeatedly jabbed to keep up antibody levels for protection?

Antibody levels against all viruses, whether from vaccination or infection, decline with time. Regardless, both B cells (antibody-producing cells) and T cells have memory. These memory cells can be rapidly activated and expanded to swiftly deal with infection even after antibodies wane.

Whether we need repeated booster vaccinations depends on whether we need to prevent all symptomatic infections or just severe COVID-19.

If we aim to stop all cases from happening, then we need baseline levels of antibodies to be sustained over long periods. That can only be done through repeated booster vaccinations.

But if most of us can tolerate flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough and body ache, and live with them for a few days without hospital care, repeated boosters wont be needed.

Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that vaccination will prevent severe COVID-19 in immunocompetent individuals. Booster shots can then be reserved for those whose immune functions are less robust or compromised by chronic illnesses.

I think the choice has been made for us by the virus. Variants will continue to emerge as that is a matter of survival for the virus. We will not be able to block SARS-CoV-2 out from the human population entirely.

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Commentary: We may not need that Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine after all - CNA