Fauci says that 'the potential future requirement for an additional boost ... is being very carefully monitored in real time'

During a press briefing on Wednesday Dr. Anthony Fauci said that the possibility of a second COVID-19 booster shot "is being very carefully monitored in real time."

The prominent public health figure said that "the potential future requirement for an additional boost ... is being very carefully monitored in real time," referring to the possibility of a fourth mRNA COVID-19 vaccine shot or a third J&J vaccine shot. He added that, "recommendations, if needed, will be updated according to the data as it evolves."

02/16/22: Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officialswww.youtube.com

Fauci, who has served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for more than three decades, is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden.

Fauci has previously told the Financial Times that the need for vaccine booster shots will vary from person to person, suggesting that a 30-year-old individual in good health may only require a shot each four or five years.

"It will depend on who you are," he said, according to the outlet. "But if you are a normal, healthy 30-year-old person with no underlying conditions, you might need a booster only every four or five years."

Some people have tested positive for COVID-19 even after getting fully vaccinated and receiving a booster shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends that immunocompromised individuals receive four shots of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. If an immunocompromised individual had an initial J&J shot, the CDC says they should receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for their second shot, followed later by another mRNA shot, for a total of three shots.