Three Doses Effective Against Omicron, Says Pfizer

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Pfizer releases data showing that three doses of their COVID-19 vaccine are effective at neutralizing the Omicron variant.

Since the discovery of the Omicron variant, multiple theories have come forward on the strain’s virulence and transmissibility. Although experts claim that most Omicron cases are mild or asymptomatic, the heavily-mutated strain has raised concerns about decreased vaccine effectiveness. Earlier this month, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel had warned of a reduction in vaccine efficacy against Omicron. Now, a preliminary study from Pfizer and BioNTech has shown that two doses of their vaccine do not provide enough protection against Omicron.

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.

Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer

“Booster Remains Best Course of Action”

In a recent press release, Pfizer announced the results of its preliminary laboratory study. The results have not undergone a peer-review yet.

As part of the study, researchers collected blood samples from individuals who had received either two or three doses of the Pfizer vaccine. They took samples either three weeks after the second dose, or one month after the third dose. The team then tested these samples for antibody titers against the Omicron variant and an earlier strain. كيف تربح في الروليت

Individuals who received two doses showed a 25% reduction in antibody titers against Omicron as compared to the older strain. كيفية لعب البوكر للمبتدئين Thus, indicating the drop in vaccine efficacy against Omicron. However, a third dose caused a 25-fold increase in antibody titers against the variant.

A recent study from South Africa has also revealed similar results. Scientists at the Africa Health Research Institute tested blood samples from 12 people who had received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The results, not yet peer-reviewed, showed a huge drop in antibody titers against the Omicron variant.

Experts believe that these studies indicate the importance of boosters in protecting against infections. Therefore, many countries are now urging people to get a third dose. كيف تلعب بلاك جاك Moreover, Pfizer and BioNTech are currently working on an Omicron-specific vaccine to provide a higher level of protection.

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.

Dr. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech

Source: Pfizer

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