International public health experts are slamming the U.S.’s decision to provide boosters, while much of the world remains unvaccinated.
As the U.S. prepares to distribute booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccine, a growing chorus of critics say the decision is “unconscionable” given that many of the world’s low-income countries remain unprotected. Here’s what you need to know about the controversy and where the U.S. stands with its booster rollout.
A third shot:
This week, the White House announced plans to offer booster shots starting Sept. 20, with health officials recommending a third shot about eight months after full vaccination to bolster waning immunity. President Biden said he and the first lady will be getting their third shots once they’re cleared to do so.
An ‘immoral’ stance?:
The World Health Organization and public health experts internationally balked at the decision. “We’re planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown,” a WHO official said. The public health agency has previously supported a moratorium on booster shots until more doses can be funneled to countries with the lowest vaccination rates. About half of Americans are fully vaccinated, while just 1.3% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose.
The White House responds:
So far, Biden has waved off the criticism, noting that the U.S. has already committed to donating more than 600 million doses globally. “We’ve provided more to the rest of the world than all the rest of the world combined.” Biden said. “We’re keeping our part of the bargain. We’re doing more than anybody.”
For more on the science behind booster shots, check out our explainer, in which four infectious disease experts (including Dr. Fauci!) separate fact from fiction.
