Scott Eisen/CVS Health via AP Images)

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has voiced support of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup’s support of a second Covid-19 booster dose. 

Aligning with the CDPH, the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) also announced its support of a second booster dose, specifically for people 50 and older and for children under 12 who are immunocompromised.

In addition to the CDPH and FCDPH promoting the second booster for at-risk demographics, the Centers for Disease Control, Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have also stated their support for a second booster.

The FCDPH, in its Friday afternoon media briefing, outlined some of the local updates and recommendations regarding Covid-19, vaccines and large-group gatherings.

In the briefing, Interim Public Health Director Dr. Rais Vohra said there was plenty of vaccine to go around.

“We would love for the demand to actually match the supply because we have so many vaccines in the system,” he said.

Vohra added that individuals who have had Covid, while still at risk, are less likely to be greatly affected.

“If you had Covid, that may put a factor into whether you consider getting a second booster or not,” said Vohra, attributing the natural immunity assisting patients’ possible expedited recovery.

Despite that, Vohra added that the best immunity against Covid-19 remains the vaccine.

Currently, vaccine booster protections “fall off” after several months, requiring an additional booster to keep immunity strong. This is especially true in the case of the immunocompromised. 

Vohra also mentioned that market pressure is geared towards developing a long-lasting annual shot, similar to a flu shot. He mentioned the flu shot leading to a steep decline in influenza cases over the past year. 

When it comes to social interactions, Vohra has positive thoughts, saying that the situation seems to be stable enough for social interaction. Vohra himself plans to attend the Friday performance of “Hamilton” at the Saroyan Theater, a venue that, at capacity, holds 2,351 seats.

“If the numbers start pointing in a direction that indicates that there’s turbulence ahead, we really should slow down,” he said. “Right now, it appears the numbers are under control, and I think that’s why people feel more comfortable.”

Vohra said that there is also a physical dimension to interaction that is needed not only for social interaction, but also for mental health.

“I think that the only way to do it is to put in the ‘face time,’” he said.

With Covid-19 seemingly under control for the first time since pre-pandemic, Vohra and other medical professionals still recommend masking when necessary, and maintaining social distancing and self-isolation when symptoms appear.