Fauci changes the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ to include booster shots

According to Dr. Fauci, booster shots add crucial temporary protection against the virus and will become a standard regimen in the future. "It is likely, for a real complete regimen, that you would need at least a third dose," Fauci said.

When pressed by The Atlantic's Ed Yong and the criticism surrounding the lack of long-term protection from the mRNA booster shots, Dr. Fauci said that he encourages vaccination regardless if it fails to provide quality protection.

"I think we should be preventing people from getting sick from COVID even if they don't wind up in the hospital," Dr. Fauci said at The Atlantic Festival on Tuesday.

Skeptics of the COVID-19 booster shots believe that boosters won't provide significant protection and will only act as a temporary shield to the virus, contrary to the vaccines that were designed to prevent hospitalization and death.

However, Fauci said that he "rejects" skeptics' notions and insisted it's beneficial to have temporary protection than no protection; despite the fact that the mRNA COVID vaccine was allegedly designed prevent the virus.

During the interview, Fauci explained it's highly likely that individuals won't be considered fully-vaccinated unless they get booster shots.

The chief medical adviser explained that the Delta Variant shifted control of the pandemic which led to vaccinations becoming less preventative, thus requiring the need for boosters.

Dr. Fauci's comments regarding the need for boosters to be considered fully-vaccinated comes as state's across the country impose strict vaccination mandates, even threatening city and federal employees termination if they aren't "fully-vaccinated." However, full vaccination status mandated by cities remains at two doses. It's unclear if Fauci's comments will result in the requirement of a third shot.