EXPLAINER: Are we going to need COVID-19 booster shots? It's not yet proven if a third dose helps and, if so, who needs one and when Author: (Photo: Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe) It's not yet proven if a third dose helps and, if so, who needs one and when By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer Just because Pfizer wants to offer COVID-19 vaccine boosters doesn't mean people will be lining up anytime soon – U.S. and international health authorities say that for now, the fully vaccinated seem well protected. Globally, experts are watching closely to determine if and when people might need another shot. At the same time, many suggest the priority for the time being should be vaccinations, noting that worrisome coronavirus mutants wouldn't be popping up so fast if more of the U.S. and the rest of the world had gotten the initial round of shots.