Ask 2: Does the COVID-19 vaccine lose its effectiveness over time and will it need to be taken annually like the flu shot?

At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston.

Question: Does the COVID-19 vaccine lose its effectiveness over time and will it need to be taken annually like the flu shot?

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Answer:. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experts are still studying how long vaccine-induced immunity lasts.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Follow the latest vaccine news in our special section

Vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have been approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization. Both vaccines require recipients to receive two doses, 21 days apart, to achieve maximum effectiveness of around 95%.

According to NBC News senior medical correspondent Dr. John Torres, it is anticipated vaccine-induced immunity should last a few years; however, more research must be done to determine the longevity of its effectiveness.

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