SC Connecticut News

A recent study from Yale School of Public Health and University of North Carolina at Charlotte suggests that the timing for COVID-19 booster shots should vary based on location and individual infection history. The research indicates that aligning booster schedules with periods of higher transmission can significantly enhance protection, offering up to fourfold increased immunity compared to less optimal timings.

"Timing is everything when it comes to COVID-19 boosters," stated Dr. Jeffrey P. Townsend, lead author and Elihu Professor of Biostatistics at YSPH. He emphasized the importance of receiving boosters during high transmission periods to maximize protection against infection.

The study also points out that delaying boosters for those who have experienced breakthrough infections could improve immunity, especially if the infection occurs later in the year. Hayley B. Hassler, co-author and former research associate in Townsend’s lab, noted that their findings provide a clear solution for managing booster timing post-infection.

“Breakthrough infections complicate booster timing, but our findings offer a clear solution,” Hassler remarked. She explained that delaying booster shots after an infection can extend immunity.

The implications for public health policy are significant. Dr. Alex Dornburg from UNCC highlighted the potential impact on vaccination strategies: “Considering when to boost and how that decision changes future infection risk in light of your own history of infection is unlike any approach to vaccination we have had before.”

Published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the study addresses the challenge of determining optimal booster timing to maximize immunity and reduce infection risk. Findings suggest location-specific timing generally favors early autumn for Northern Hemisphere residents, with September or October being ideal months.

For instance, in New York, a September 15th booster offers superior protection compared to January administration, which reduces efficacy by 3.6-fold. On average, optimal booster dates precede peak COVID-19 transmission by about 2.7 months.

The study underscores the need for tailored vaccination campaigns considering local trends and personal histories to optimize outcomes and reduce health care burdens.