According to The Wall Street Journal, the largest pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Biotech, are seeking the US regulatory authorities' approval of a COVID-19 booster shot for vaccinated adults starting at least six months after the previous dose.
The companies have already sent the necessary documentation to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), containing the results of early-stage clinical trials of the vaccine. The drug markers claim that a booster dose of its two-shot COVID-19 vaccine spurs a more than threefold increase in antibodies against the coronavirus. In addition, the vaccine is effective against beta and delta variants. According to experts, the results are more remarkable compared to two standard shots.
The companies intend to obtain permission for the use of the COVID-19 booster vaccine for all people over the age of 16, not just for those with weakened immunity. "The data we’ve seen to date suggest a third dose of our vaccine elicits antibody levels that significantly exceed those seen after the two-dose primary schedule," Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. "A booster vaccine could help reduce infection and disease rates in people who have previously been vaccinated and better control the spread of virus variants during the coming season," BioNTech Co-founder Ugur Sahin noted.
Pfizer and Biotech are conducting a large late-stage study of the drug to evaluate the effectiveness of the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving the results, the relevant data will be submitted to the FDA.
On August 20, the regulator approved the use of booster vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for people with weakened immunity, including cancer patients, HIV patients, and those who have undergone organ transplantation. Anthony Fauci also pointed out that "it is entirely conceivable, maybe likely" that Americans will need a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming months." Pfizer and Moderna also emphasize that the majority of citizens will need annual revaccination.
The New York Times reports that the Biden administration is ready to announce the need for a booster shot against COVID-19 eight months after vaccination. "It's the best way to protect ourselves from new variants that may arise," Joe Biden has said. The US government believes that the majority of already vaccinated Americans should receive a booster shot. An official announcement is expected on August 28. Earlier, Associated Press confirmed this information, noting that the third shot will be introduced only after official approval by the FDA.
