No booster shots needed for children aged 12 to 17, says health department

A booster shot, or a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, is administered to maximise vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability. Stock photo.The health department says there are no vaccine booster shots for children aged 12 to 17 amid concerns over the new Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.on the Covid-19 situation this week after the recent discovery of a new variant in the country.

Researchers at Stellenbosch University detected the country’s first case of the subvariant, also known as “Kraken”. The department said the vaccine ministerial advisory committee indicated it does not recommend booster shoots based on an understanding that the protection provided by the two doses should be adequate in this age group which is at low risk of severe infection. Phaahla said the immunity of South Africans from vaccination and natural immunity is still strong, putting the country in a better position and at less risk.

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