Introduction
The selected article demonstrates that health experts in the United States argue the best method to utilize vaccinations to keep ahead of the Coronavirus. Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s vaccination leader, stated that it would be unexpected if the government permitted another booster dosage in the autumn to protect most Americans against the most recent coronavirus mutations (Perrone). He warned that decreasing vaccination protection, new variations, and colder weather later this year might increase the likelihood of further spikes. I agree that more frigid weather, or seasonality, influences the development of viruses. Kronfeld-Schor et al. emphasize that seasonality, defined as regular within-year variations that reoccur over time, is a hallmark of many infectious illnesses, particularly respiratory infections caused by endemic human viruses (36). Hence, temperature affects metabolism, and temperature swings could impact the immune system. Kronfeld-Schor et al. suggest that temperature decreases of 5 °C in the nose can impair antiviral responses and have been related to an increased risk of getting a virus (38). I claim that weather and environmental factors influence immunological responses. Moreover, recent discoveries illustrate the importance of molecular metabolism in immune system function (Kronfeld-Schor et al. 41). Molecules and diverse metabolic routes play a crucial role in distinguishing anti-pathogen responses.
Immune System of the Elderly
According to the article, older individuals are more prone to getting Coronavirus. The FDA approved an additional Pfizer or Moderna shot for anybody over fifty and some younger individuals with fragile immune systems (Perrone). With age, the immune system weakens; there are exceptions, such as young individuals with weak immune systems. Nonetheless, the elderly do not react to immunological challenges as strongly as the young.
Notably, the immune system defends the body from foreign or harmful invaders. Delvis argues that microorganisms, often known as germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, parasites such as worms, and cancer cells are examples of such invaders. The immune system loses its capacity to distinguish self from non-self as people age, making it harder to recognize foreign antigens (Delvis). Additionally, older people have fewer white blood cells that can react to novel antigens. As a result, when older adults are exposed to a novel antigen, their bodies are less able to recall and protect against it. Delvis notes that the total amount of antibodies generated in response to an antigen remains relatively constant; the antibodies become less capable of attaching to the antigen. Consequently, I agree that these alterations may also help clarify why vaccinations are less effective in the elderly and why it is critical for the elderly to get an additional Pfizer or Moderna shot. The immune function changes may lead to senior citizens being more susceptible to Coronavirus.
Coronavirus Mutations and the Immune Responses
Essentially, the mutation is a modification in DNA and is a subject of biological studies. Based on the article, one possible model for coping with virus mutations is the practice of upgrading yearly flu vaccinations (Perrone). Experts from the World Health Organization propose updating flu vaccinations twice a year to combat developing strains (Perrone). The mutations in Coronavirus significantly contribute to the development of new vaccines. Nonetheless, Coronavirus is a new virus; thus, vaccine producers will almost certainly want more time to research their COVID-19 vaccines, which do not have the same decades-long track record of efficacy and safety as flu vaccinations (Perrone). I consider the speed of virus mutation development as the primary factor in yearly vaccine updates. The proof was demonstrated by Harvey et al., who claim that virus genome sequences are being generated at an extraordinary speed (409). Hence, producers create platforms for future vaccine sequence updates (Harvey et al. 409). Genetic and antigenic modifications must be monitored alongside trials to understand the effects of mutations.
Coronavirus mutations affect immune responses; thus, professionals should frequently monitor the virus genome changes. Harvey et al. state that there is substantial evidence that mutations that disrupt the antigenic nature of Coronavirus are widespread and have a significant impact on immune recognition, necessitating rapid action (410). Moreover, mutations may impact individual immune responses differently (Harvey et al. 413). Immune system responses to different types of Coronavirus differ from one person to another and are expressed in various symptoms.
Conclusion
To conclude, the government allowed another booster dose in the autumn to prevent most Americans from the most current coronavirus mutations because seasonality promotes virus growth, and temperature variations can impair the immune system. The FDA authorized an extra vaccination for persons over fifty-five years old since older adults’ bodies are less able to recall and defend against new antigens. Furthermore, immunizations are less effective in the elderly; thus, an extra Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is required. Finally, updating annual vaccinations is one viable strategy for dealing with virus alterations. Coronavirus genome sequences are being created at incredible speeds, and the alterations impact immunological responses. As a result, scientists must often update vaccinations according to the Coronavirus genome changes. To understand the impact of mutations, genetic and antigenic alterations should be studied combined in trials.
Works Cited
Delvis, Peter J. “Effects of Aging on the Immune System.”MSD Manual, 2021.
Harvey, William T. et al. “SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Spike Mutations and Immune Escape. Nature Reviews Microbiology, vol. 19, 2021, pp. 409–424. doi.org/10.1038/s41579-021-00573-0
Kronfeld-Schor, N., et al. “Drivers of Infectious Disease Seasonality: Potential Implications for COVID-19.” Journal of Biological Rhythms, vol. 36, no. 1, 2021, pp. 35-54. doi.org/10.1177/0748730420987322
Perrone, Matthew. “US Experts Discuss COVID boosters for the fall and beyond.”The Detroit News, 2022.