COVID-19 boosters: Global policies, science, and public perception

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to transition toward endemicity, the global community faces the complex challenge of adapting booster vaccination strategies to meet diverse needs. While some countries, like the United States, pursue universal annual booster recommendations, others, including many in Europe, have adopted more targeted approaches focusing on high-risk populations. These differences reflect varying epidemiological trends, healthcare system capacities, and public health priorities, underscoring the need for nuanced and adaptable strategies worldwide. The scientific basis for boosters COVID-19 boosters aim to address waning immunity, evolving variants, and the risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalization, long COVID, and cardiovascular complications. Research consistently highlights the value of boosters, especially for high-risk groups. For example, a study published in Nature Communications (2024) showed a reduction in heart-related events, such as strokes, following each vaccine dose. Boosters also decrease the likelihood of developing long COVID, which continues to affect millions globally. The World Health Organization...