Alabama health leaders still concerned about COVID vaccine hesitancy

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama is getting more COVID vaccines, but state health leaders continue to be worried about vaccine hesitancy.

And now, a top official with Pfizer says the country will likely need a third booster shot next year.

Alabama has seen more than 3.3 million doses delivered to the state. Almost 2.2 million have gotten at least one shot. But there is a growing concern others are not taking the shot.

The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to get reports that there are open appointments at vaccinations clinics in Alabama. Dr. Scott Harris said they knew they would approach vaccine hesitancy where people would stop short of taking shots.

The Pfizer CEO announced earlier this week that all people would likely need a third booster shot in about 12 months. In fact, there may be a need for an annual shot. Dr. Harris said this information is not surprising.

“That is exactly the situation we are in with influenza for example. It’s a respiratory illness, the vaccine doesn’t work from year to year. You get some protection, but you need a new flu shot every year. You may need a shot every year, that may be the case with COVID. We don’t really know right now,” Harris said.

Dr. Harris strongly advises you get the shot every year and talk to your doctor about what’s best for you. The Alabama Department of Health continues to launch an advertising campaign in an effort to get more people to get the shot now.