Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Immunity Is Not One-Time: Why Booster Doses Matter as Much as First Shots

Flu cases have been on the rise, and this is not just the case in the US and the UK, but also in India. In Delhi itself, flu-like illnesses, and respiratory infections have been on the rise in past. Doctors have pointed out that patients with symptoms like cough, cold, high fever, body ache, and chest congestions have been repeatedly coming in. Experts are signaling the H3N2 influenza for this surge. Healthcare professionals are also urging patients to check their immunity and take booster shots.

A booster refers to an extra dose of a vaccine after the original (or primary) dose is administered. Vaccines start protection, but booster doses help maintain and strengthen immunity over time. It helps strengthen the body's immune response to the original vaccine and aids longer longer-lasting protection from disease. Understanding the importance of boosters for children. Hence, don’t miss vaccination or booster at all.

While most patients may have had their first-time shots, many do not go for the booster shot. Many of us may remember hearing the word "booster" the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was when two shots were made mandatory, along with a booster shot to be followed up later on. To understand why booster shot is equally important for a person's immunity, Health and Me spoke to Dr Akshay Mehta, who is a Senior Consultant, Neonatology and Pediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida. 

"Over time, antibody levels produced after vaccination gradually decline. While immune memory remains, it may not be strong enough to prevent infection or severe illness without a booster dose," points out Dr Mehta. 

He explains that as children grow, their immune system change and mature with time. Booster doses ensure that early protection received in infancy continues to remain effective during the school going years. 

"Good immunity in children helps the body fight infections, viruses, and bacteria more effectively. It reduces the risk of frequent illnesses and supports faster recovery. Strong immunity also protects against severe complications like recurrent respiratory infections, severe viral or bacterial illnesses, delayed wound healing, and increased risk of pneumonia or sepsis, and helps maintain overall health and energy levels."

While it is believed that once you are vaccinated, you are protected for life. However, the doctor points out that immunity is not permanent. "Over time, the body’s defense against infections can weaken. This is where booster doses become an important factor. Booster vaccines help to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.”

Dr Mehta points out that there is a severe lack of awareness regarding booster shots, because many ignore them, thinking that they are not required. However, the doctor points out that booster shots are equally important for “children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity”. 

Children: In children, boosters will aid in long-lasting protection as their immune system continues to develop.

Adults: For adults, boosters help maintain immunity against diseases that can turn fatal in the future.

“Updated booster vaccines are designed to protect against newer strains, reducing the risk of severe illness and outbreaks. This is why boosters are recommended. Booster doses also help protect the community and when more people stay immune, the spread of infections slows down,” points out Dr Mehta. 

The doctor points out that this helps protect the vulnerable groups such as newborns, elderly people, and those who cannot be vaccinated due to various medical reasons. “High booster coverage reduces hospital stays and reduces the pressure on the healthcare system. Hence, take the booster shot as advised by the doctor. Skipping booster doses can leave people partially protected. This may not always lead to illness, but it increases the risk of infection and spreading disease to others,” he explains.

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Flu cases have been on the rise, and this is not just the case in the US and the UK, but also in India. In Delhi itself, flu-like illnesses, and respiratory infections have been on the rise in past. Doctors have pointed out that patients with symptoms like cough, cold, high fever, body ache, and chest congestions have been repeatedly coming in. Experts are signaling the H3N2 influenza for this surge. Healthcare professionals are also urging patients to check their immunity and take booster shots. What Is Booster Shot?A booster refers to an extra dose of a vaccine after the original (or primary) dose is administered. Vaccines start protection, but booster doses help maintain and strengthen immunity over time. It helps strengthen the body's immune response to the original vaccine and aids longer longer-lasting protection from disease. Understanding the importance of boosters for children. Hence, don’t miss vaccination or booster at all. Why Do We Need Booster Shots?While most patients may have had their first-time shots, many do not go for the booster shot. Many of us may remember hearing the word "booster" the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was when two shots were made mandatory, along with a booster shot to be followed up later on. To understand why booster shot is equally important for a person's immunity, Health and Me spoke to Dr Akshay Mehta, who is a Senior Consultant, Neonatology and Pediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida. "Over time, antibody levels produced after vaccination gradually decline. While immune memory remains, it may not be strong enough to prevent infection or severe illness without a booster dose," points out Dr Mehta. He explains that as children grow, their immune system change and mature with time. Booster doses ensure that early protection received in infancy continues to remain effective during the school going years. "Good immunity in children helps the body fight infections, viruses, and bacteria more effectively. It reduces the risk of frequent illnesses and supports faster recovery. Strong immunity also protects against severe complications like recurrent respiratory infections, severe viral or bacterial illnesses, delayed wound healing, and increased risk of pneumonia or sepsis, and helps maintain overall health and energy levels."While it is believed that once you are vaccinated, you are protected for life. However, the doctor points out that immunity is not permanent. "Over time, the body’s defense against infections can weaken. This is where booster doses become an important factor. Booster vaccines help to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.”Importance Of Booster DosesDr Mehta points out that there is a severe lack of awareness regarding booster shots, because many ignore them, thinking that they are not required. However, the doctor points out that booster shots are equally important for “children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity”. Children: In children, boosters will aid in long-lasting protection as their immune system continues to develop. Adults: For adults, boosters help maintain immunity against diseases that can turn fatal in the future. “Updated booster vaccines are designed to protect against newer strains, reducing the risk of severe illness and outbreaks. This is why boosters are recommended. Booster doses also help protect the community and when more people stay immune, the spread of infections slows down,” points out Dr Mehta. The doctor points out that this helps protect the vulnerable groups such as newborns, elderly people, and those who cannot be vaccinated due to various medical reasons. “High booster coverage reduces hospital stays and reduces the pressure on the healthcare system. Hence, take the booster shot as advised by the doctor. Skipping booster doses can leave people partially protected. This may not always lead to illness, but it increases the risk of infection and spreading disease to others,” he explains.