CDC Advises Longer Interval Between Vaccine Doses

    Image copyright: LM Otero/AP [via The Washington Post]

    The Facts

    • The CDC has found that some people should wait up to 8 wks before getting a second COVID vaccine dose, rather than the 3-4 wks previously advised.

    • Research has shown that a longer interval between shots offered more enduring protection against the virus and could help prevent the development of myocarditis, a form of heart inflammation and a rare side effect of vaccination mainly afflicting adolescent and young adult males.


    The Spin

    Left narrative

    The CDC is responding to the latest research, refining its recommendations with a greater knowledge of the nuances of how vaccine efficacy, risk, and benefit depend on demographic and health factors. Despite exceedingly rare side effects like myocarditis, it's vital for those who haven't been vaccinated to get jabbed, as the benefits of an mRNA vaccine far outweigh the risk.

    Right narrative

    The CDC's resistance to sharing data findings with the public begs the question: why don't they trust people to make their own minds up about the facts? Are they hiding something? As one CDC official put it, the COVID pandemic has highlighted just how outdated the agency and other state-level health systems have become.


    Political split

    LEFT

    RIGHT

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