Tõhustusdoosid

Tõhustusdoosid, often referred to as booster doses, are additional vaccinations administered after an initial series of primary immunizations. Their purpose is to strengthen or restore the immune system's protection against a specific disease, which may have waned over time or be insufficient against new or evolving variants of a pathogen.

The need for booster doses arises for several reasons. Immunity acquired from primary vaccination or natural infection can decrease over months or years. This decline in antibody levels can leave individuals more susceptible to illness. Additionally, the effectiveness of vaccines can be reduced by mutations in viruses or bacteria, necessitating updated formulations or booster shots to target these changes.

Booster doses are typically similar to the original vaccines but may sometimes be updated to provide better protection against circulating strains. They are administered after a recommended interval following the completion of the primary vaccination course. The specific schedule and recommendation for booster doses vary depending on the disease, the vaccine used, the individual's age and health status, and the prevailing epidemiological situation.

Public health authorities and medical professionals determine when and for whom booster doses are recommended based on scientific evidence and ongoing monitoring of disease outbreaks and vaccine effectiveness. They play a crucial role in maintaining long-term immunity within populations and mitigating the impact of infectious diseases.