evidence: First, some background to help put this in context. Operation Warp Speed led to the development of two novel mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), one adenovirus vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) and others not available in the USA at this time. The mRNA vaccines produced remarkable results with protection against COVID in the 94-95% range. The J&J vaccine was in the 70% range, which is similar to what we see for annual flu shots. Over time, it was expected that the protective benefits of the vaccine would decrease as they do for all vaccines. Indeed, a Mayo clinic study shows that in July 2021 Moderna protection had decreased to 76% and Pfizer had dropped to 42%. However, both remained highly effective at protecting against severe illness that can result in hospitalizations, placement in Intensive Care Units or death. Those who are immunocompromised – including people being actively treated for cancers or who have received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress their immune system – do not get the same robust response to the vaccine. After receiving their series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, they are protected in the range of 59% compared to the 94-95% range for the population at large. Studies have shown that a third dose can increase the number of antibodies and offer additional protection against the COVID virus.