BUFFALO, N.Y. — With the news of a booster shot being announced Wednesday, many are wondering if this should be the focus, especially with so many people still unvaccinated.

Right now, New York state has about 60% of the total population vaccinated and 70% if you just look at the people over the age of 18, according to state statistics.

With an increasing threat from the delta variant, some say they’re ready for that third jab.

What You Need To Know

  • Third booster shot to be offered starting September 20

  • There is still a significant population that is not vaccinated

  • Many are willing to get third shot if it helps keep them and their loved ones safe

“Vaccines, for us, it's like the minimum you can do with this pandemic," said Fatiha Makloufi. "This is not a joke.”

Makloufi and Sam Smith got vaccinated as soon as they could. They aren’t taking any extra risks.

But when it comes to a third dose, they’re unsure if that’s where the country’s focus should be.

“I really think everybody needs to get vaccinated," said Smith. "This is part of it, but the big stress should be on getting the people vaccinated that haven't been in the first place.”

With the delta variant hitting those who are vaccinated, some wonder if a booster will really help.

“You wonder if we have to have a natural human herd immunity, as opposed to the vaccine taking care of everything,” said Brian Naffky.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say while the vaccine's effectiveness against mild and moderate disease does go down over time, it's still effective against severe illness and death.

In the end, for Naffky, the vaccine and the booster are the least we can do.

“I would definitely get it," he said. "Why not, you know? A little extra power to keep yourself safe and keep others safe.”

Warren Lester looks at this booster as some extra protection for himself, his granddaughter and the community.

“It’s just the thing to do, there’s nothing to it," said Lester. "It’s as easy as turning on a light switch.”

He says a two-prong approach including getting first-time vaccinations and boosters is needed to get us a little closer to some sort of normal.

When asked when people wanted to get the booster, some want it ASAP.

Others say they’d rather focus on other vaccines in upcoming months, like flu shots, and circle back to the booster a bit later.