The Covid-19 booster shot campaign is speeding up as the fifth wave is hitting France. Open in December to people aged 50+, and necessary to keep one’s health pass, it could be quickly extended to the entire population aged 12+. Health Minister Olivier Véran is to announce it on Thursday November 25.
As a matter of fact, immunity provided by the vaccine seems to be active for six months only, which means another vaccine twice a year. In Israel, a part of the population is already getting the fourth dose.
Therefore, the Health minister announced the 3rd dose also named booster shot will have to be given from 5 months after the last dose and within7 months or the health pass will be cancelled. The executive is said to follow the conclusions expected from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS).
Starting from January 15, the health pass will no longer be valid for people aged 18+. "Starting from January 15, the health pass of all the French aged between 18 and 64 will no longer be active. People concerned will have two months to get their third dose. You have between the 5th and 7th month after your second innjection to get your booster shot", Olivier Véran explained.
As recalled by BFMTV and officially announced by the Health Minister, this new feature will be included to the TousAntiCovid app to warn people whose health pass is close to the expiration date with a color system reminding people who have downloaded the app to make an appointment.
Eric Billy – scientist in immune-oncology in Strasbourg – told 20 Minutes there are still many questions without an answer to date. “After six months, immunity drops to a threshold said to be not protective enough”, he adds, according to studies available. The third dose – called “booster shot” – is expected to strengthen immunity. This booster shot is to be seen as a safety nest to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Furthermore, among the announcements likely to be made this Thursday, the validity of PCR tests could be cut down to 24 hours instead of 72 hours as it is to date. Facemask-wearing will be compulsory in all venues open to the public, as well as outdoors, in crowded places such as Christmas markets.
