Julie Steenhuysen, Maayan Libell

CHICAGO, (Reuters) – Some countries have already begun to look at a fourth vaccine in order to counter the Omicron-driven rise in COVID-19-related cases. But early signs indicate that repeated vaccinations may prove costly as the pandemic season approaches.

In recent months, the rate of initial vaccines has been lower than that of boosters.

Experts in disease say the confusion caused by the rapid shift of public health messages to address a rapidly-mutating virus has led to mistrust and confusion about boosters.

Omicron, a coronavirus variant that has over 30 mutations in the spike protein (the target of many COVID-19 vaccines), is more dangerous than any other. Omicron has been able to transmit more easily and evade immunity from the symptomatic diseases induced by vaccinations or prior infections. Experts say vaccines still remain an important tool to prevent severe illness and death.

According to laboratory studies, a third dose of vaccines could be given from Pfizer (NYSE:) Inc/BioNTech SE or Moderna (NASDAQ:) Inc can be used in many countries as a booster to help restore protection.

However, data from the UK showed that Omicron boosters had an increase in antibody protection after 10 weeks. This raises questions as to whether further shots might be necessary.

Pfizer Chief Scientist Mikael Dolsten stated to CBS News that it was very likely that the fourth dose of vaccine will be necessary within months, based on laboratory studies. If Omicron continues as the dominant coronavirus version, he said. Israel already gives a fourth dose Pfizer/BioNTech shot for people older than 60 and to immunocompromised individuals as well to healthcare workers in order to prevent an Omicron spike.

Officials from the government have stated that early evidence has shown that an extra shot is safe. It also stimulated five times more antibodies which can help protect against severe diseases.

The White House Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said in December that it was possible that an additional booster might be required, however that further information is still needed to determine the longevity of the existing booster shots.

The United States offers three doses to immunocompromised people as part of an initial series of shots. A booster shot is available six months later. The idea of additional booster shots has been floated by health officials from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. French officials, however, have not yet made a decision. They said that they would wait until February or March to see more data. WHAT DO I NEED? Yasmin Maor is a member the Israeli advisory board that suggested a fourth round for people most at-risk from COVID. She stated that it was possible that many shots would be required in order to combat a pandemic like this.

This message might not be welcomed by the general public. According to recent data, 9% of Israelis are “invalid”, meaning that they have not received a booster shot after their first dose.

Although data is sparse in Russia, Mikhail Murashko, the Russian health minister, stated that 10 million Russians were given shots. This compares to 73 million Russians, or roughly half of the total population, who only received the first round.

The United States had 62% of its population (207 million people) considered to be fully vaccinated as of Jan. 7. About 73 million people, or 62% of the population, have had a booster shot. A booster dose should now be considered fully vaccinated according to some experts.

Canadian virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen said that boosters in the United States were often viewed as the solution to the Pandemic. Omicron has been able to infect many people, even with milder illnesses, after they have given booster doses.

There are tons of stories about people who were boosted to get Omicron. I believe a lot people feel the same way. Rasmussen asked, Why would I do this?

According to her, although booster shots may not be able to prevent all types of infections, they can keep you from being admitted into an ICU. A large part of frustration is due to the constantly-mutating virus, which has required frequent policy updates regarding everything from mask-wearing requirements to quarantine regulations. These changes have made people uncertain and distrustful.

Jason Gallagher of Temple University’s School of Pharmacy, an expert in infectious diseases said that people are seeking certainty because it’s impossible to predict the future.