If you do a Google search on “boost the immune system,” you’ll find nearly 200 pages of entries, with most of them representing urban legends. In fact, the only way you can increase the antibodies needed to fight infection is through a vaccine. So what role do booster shots, specifically the COVID-19 booster, play in protecting our immune health?
Why a Booster?
COVID-19 booster shots operate by enhancing the body's immune response, particularly the T cell response. T cells, in particular, play a pivotal role in fighting infections. They recognize and destroy infected cells, preventing the virus from replicating further. Booster shots trigger a more vigorous T cell response, improving the body's capacity to control the virus even when antibody levels may decrease.
How Do Boosters Work?
Booster shots are typically based on the same principles as the initial vaccines, using either mRNA technology (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) or viral vector platforms (Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca). These vaccines contain harmless fragments or genetic information from the virus, allowing the immune system to recognize and mount a defense against the virus if encountered.
The key mechanism behind booster shots is the reinforcement of the immune memory. When the initial vaccine is administered, it trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus. Over time, this immunity may wane, especially in the face of evolving variants. Booster shots serve as a reminder, stimulating a robust production of memory B cells and T cells, which are essential for long-term immunity.
Should I Get a COVID-19 Booster?
Research shows that boosters are a key way to ensure continued protection against COVID-19 and its variants. They are an important tool in reducing the severity of illness, transmission rates, and the potential for future outbreaks. Of course, always check with your personal healthcare provider for their advice.