Layering protections
Continuing to recommend masks is essential, Dr. Swann added. “With this Delta variant, it does appear that the possibility of reinfection or of a disease case breaking through vaccination can occur. So that makes it even more important to consider using nonpharmaceutical interventions while we continue to vaccinate people.”
Wearing or not wearing a mask is one of the behaviors that drive the transmission of disease, Dr. Swann said.
“What we saw across the board is that many people really wanted to go back to normal as much as they could. And we went back to normal a little bit too soon, especially given this new version of the virus that was circulating,” she said.
In poll, most favor boosters
A recent poll conducted by Medscape indicates that a majority of vaccinated physicians and nurses are ready and willing to take a COVID-19 booster vaccine. For example, 93% of 943 doctors and 87% of 1,680 nurses who responded want booster shots, either immediately or when they are authorized and recommended.
Among 510 WebMD readers responding to a similar poll, 82% indicated they wanted a booster shot.
A challenging task lies ahead
According to CDC data, as of Aug. 18, 2021, almost 169 million Americans are fully vaccinated, including the one-shot Johnson & Johnson adenovirus vaccine.
“I think it will be a challenge to get everyone who is fully vaccinated to come in for that booster,” Dr. Swann said.
Logistically speaking, Dr. Swann explained that many sites that were open for initial vaccinations, including drive-up locations and 24/7 vaccination sites, are no longer operating.
“We might see that rollout look a little bit differently. You might be able to go to your pharmacy or go to your primary care physician,” she said.
“But we may not see as many weekend events so it is going to be easier to get some people a booster than others.
“One interesting thing will also be whether a booster is effective in actually preventing you from giving a disease to someone else,” Dr. Swann said. “That could make a difference as well, because that might play into whether companies, hospitals, universities, or others require a booster.”
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.