Pfizer / BioNTech Says 3 Shots Are ‘Effective’ Against Omicron
The coronavirus vaccine jointly developed by BioNTech and Pfizer “remains effective against the Omicron variant of the virus after three doses,” the companies said in a statement on Wednesday.
A laboratory study by its manufacturers found that the vaccine “remains effective against Omicron when administered three times in preventing Covid-19,” but warned that “the Omicron variant is unlikely to be adequately neutralized after two doses.”
As per the study, “a third dose provides a level of neutralizing antibody to Omicron similar to that seen after two doses” for the other variants.
Pfizer and BioNTech also announced that an Omicron-specific version of the coronavirus vaccine, currently being developed by BioNTech, will be available in March.
“Although two doses of the vaccine can still protect against serious diseases caused by the Omicron strain, these preliminary data suggest that the third dose of our vaccine will improve protection,” said Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, in a press release.
The new study comes after dozen of countries reintroduced border restrictions in response to the spread of the new variant of the virus, questioning the possibility of a return from economic punitive blockades.
Also Read: Study Reveals Pfizer Booster Dose Effectively Neutralizes The Omicron Variant
Detection of the first cases of Omicron two weeks ago coincided with a global surge in infection rates, and the variant has raised concerns about a global resurgence of Covid.
So far, according to the WHO, Omicron has been found in 57 countries. No deaths have yet been linked to the variant.
World Health Organization and U.S. government scientists told AFP this week that the Omicron variant doesn’t appear to be any worse than other strains of coronavirus, but they said more research was needed.
Also Read: Studies Suggest That The Pfizer Vaccine Against Omicron Is Only Partially Effective