New Mexico governor says full vaccination must include boosters

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) said on Wednesday she believes being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 means people must have a booster shot, The Associated Press reported.

Grisham made the comments at a virtual pandemic briefing, saying that residents who received their last vaccination six months ago are causing an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. 

According to state data, at least 29 percent of the confirmed cases over the past four weeks were among vaccinated residents, even though unvaccinated people still make up the highest percentages of those who are hospitalized or die from the virus. 

“We know vaccinations are the most effective tool to both blunting the spread of the virus and to protecting ourself and our families,” Grisham said at the briefing. 

“So we are analyzing what we can do to create those incentives — and potentially mandates — for making sure that people are fully vaccinated, which means three vaccines,” she added. 

New Mexico Health and Human Services Secretary David Scrase has said that discussions have begun on changing the definition of “fully vaccinated,” saying he expects a new public order to come out in the coming weeks, the AP reported. 

About 74 percent of New Mexico adults are considered fully vaccinated against the virus, while more than 292,000 booster doses have been administered to residents since Aug. 1, according to state data 

Some U.S. cities and states, including California, New Mexico, Arkansas and Colorado, already allow all eligible adults to get booster shots, the AP noted.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for all adults this week.