Covid-19 issues and decisions drone on, don’t they?  Happily, my longstanding association with top people in the cleaning industry puts me in contact with trusted sources of information on health topics.

One such source Is the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the ISSA.  ISSA is a trade organization that has lead the way in the cleaning industry to mature to the point that we focus on “Cleaning for Health.”  While Booster Shots have little to do with cleaning, experts such as Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, Senior Director of GBAC is a credible source of clarity on how to protect ourselves from Biorisk such as Covid-19.

Dr. Skinner, in a “Straight Talk” interview with ISSA official Jeff Cross helped us to see that the level of protection from vaccines diminishes over a period of about 6 months, leaving many of us vulnerable.  The good news is that we are not seeing supply chain issues with the booster vaccination supply.  

So why Booster Shots?  Back in the spring when many of us got our vaccine shots we didn’t know how long it was going to last.  Dr. Skinner says New studies by the NIH show the vaccines decrease in effectiveness over time just like flu vaccine.  We get flu vaccines annually because it doesn’t last for years, but only months during the flu season.  By the time the next flu season occurs, those who wish vaccine protection need to renew their protection.  Covid-19 vaccines are proving to be similar.  The vaccines give us protection by stimulating our immune system to fight Covid-19.  Dr. Skinner really emphasized the point that Covid-19 is “an awful disease.  You really do not want to get Covid-19.”  

Some feel they can be tested for antibodies and think they don’t need to get the booster.  Jeff Cross asked:. “Is it that easy to get tested for antibodies?”  Dr. Skinner said it is not.  That “we don’t routinely do this because you have to take a blood sample.  Going through the labs and testing and sampling challenges minimizes this from happening very much.  If you are a worker at a high risk indoor environment you can ask to be tested. Do I get tested for Covid-19 antibodies?  No, there is no reason to.  I follow the studies and publications on the studies published from CDC, NIH and WHO.  Those show the vaccines last not for years, but months and that’s why the boosters are so important now,” according to Dr. Skinner.

This time of year many are traveling for the Holidays and its been a period of time.  With that in mind Dr. Skinner recommends following the CDC guidelines and get a booster shot before you travel.

This interview gave me the clarity I needed and hopefully it helps you too!

For your protection we continue to follow vaccine and booster recommendations as well as daily symptom and temperature checks before coming to your home.