(BLOOMBERG) – European Union regulators have warned that frequent Covid-19 booster shots could adversely affect the immune system and may not be feasible.
Repeat booster doses every four months could eventually weaken the immune system and tire out people, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Instead, countries should leave more time between booster programmes and tie them to the onset of the cold season in each hemisphere, following the blueprint set out by influenza vaccination strategies, the agency said.
The advice comes as some countries consider the possibility of offering people second booster shots, in a bid to provide further protection against surging Omicron infections.
Earlier this month, Israel became the first nation to start administering a second booster, or fourth shot, to those over 60.
Britain has said that boosters are providing good levels of protection and there is no need for a second booster shot at the moment, but will review data as it evolves.