Current German Recommendations and International Research on the Use of COVID-19 Boosters among Health Care Providers in 2024: A Narrative Review
Issued Date
2024-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
1010660X
eISSN
16489144
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85188943141
Journal Title
Medicina (Lithuania)
Volume
60
Issue
3
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Medicina (Lithuania) Vol.60 No.3 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Pitak-Arnnop P., Ngamskulrungroj P., Mahanonda N., Auychai P., Frech B., Shavlokhova V., Stoll C. Current German Recommendations and International Research on the Use of COVID-19 Boosters among Health Care Providers in 2024: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Lithuania) Vol.60 No.3 (2024). doi:10.3390/medicina60030385 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97860
Title
Current German Recommendations and International Research on the Use of COVID-19 Boosters among Health Care Providers in 2024: A Narrative Review
Author's Affiliation
Siriraj Hospital
Chulabhorn Royal Academy
Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Standort Marburg
Thai Association of Pediatric Dentistry
GLG Werner Forßmann Hospital Eberswalde—Academic Teaching Hospital of Charité Medical University Berlin
University Hospital Ruppin-Brandenburg
Royal College of Dentists of Thailand
Private Practice
Chulabhorn Royal Academy
Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Standort Marburg
Thai Association of Pediatric Dentistry
GLG Werner Forßmann Hospital Eberswalde—Academic Teaching Hospital of Charité Medical University Berlin
University Hospital Ruppin-Brandenburg
Royal College of Dentists of Thailand
Private Practice
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has de-escalated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a global health emergency, ongoing discussions persist as new viral variants. This article aimed to consolidate German recommendations and international research to offer health care providers (HCPs) a comprehensive guide on COVID-19 boosters in 2024. The review outlines key recommendations from the German Robert Koch Institute. HCPs should receive COVID-19 boosters at least 12 months after their last vaccination or COVID-19 infection, contingent on the prevalent viral variant(s) in the region. However, excessive doses and/or frequent boosters, especially with mRNA vaccines, may lead to immune imprinting, T-cell exhaustion, and immunoglobulin (Ig) switching. Notably, this review highlights the significance of Ig, particularly IgA and IgG subclasses, in influencing infection risk and disease progression. Furthermore, it explores the implications of mRNA vaccine technology and potential adverse effects related to excessive dosing. In conclusion, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 vaccine boosters for HCPs, synthesising current recommendations, scientific debates, and considerations for optimising protection against SARS-CoV-2 in the evolving landscape of the post-pandemic era.