Omicron Variant Neutralized by Third Pfizer COVID Shot, Company Says
Pfizer and BioNTech’s preliminary studies found that a third shot against COVID-19 neutralized the Omicron variant. The company made the announcement on Wednesday, writing that two doses of the vaccine “significantly…
Pfizer and BioNTech’s preliminary studies found that a third shot against COVID-19 neutralized the Omicron variant.
The company made the announcement on Wednesday, writing that two doses of the vaccine “significantly reduced neutralization titers.” And, results “from an initial laboratory study” demonstrate “that serum antibodies induced by the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (BNT162b2) neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant after three doses.”
Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer, wrote in a statement, “Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine.”
“Ensuring as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the first two dose series and a booster remains the best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he added.
Additionally, Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech, said in a statement:
“Our preliminary, first dataset indicate that a third dose could still offer a sufficient level of protection from disease of any severity caused by the Omicron variant. Broad vaccination and booster campaigns around the world could help us to better protect people everywhere and to get through the winter season. We continue to work on an adapted vaccine which, we believe, will help to induce a high level of protection against Omicron-induced COVID-19 disease as well as a prolonged protection compared to the current vaccine.”
The press release also notes that the company has been working on an Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine since November 25.
It reads, “The development will continue as planned in the event that a vaccine adaption is needed to increase the level and duration of protection against Omicron. First batches of the Omicron-based vaccine can be produced and are planned to be ready for deliveries within 100 days, pending regulatory approval.”