December 8, 2021 – Early data shows that booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine could be a critical component to controlling the omicron variant of COVID-19. In a news release, Pfizer-BioNTech shared their initial findings from the booster study. While this data has not yet been peer-reviewed or published, it suggests that two shots may be insufficient to fight omicron.
Pfizer and BioNTech took blood samples after vaccination and found that antibodies fighting the virus took a significant hit against omicron. Those with only two shots had low enough levels of antibodies to leave people susceptible to a breakthrough infection.
Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s chief executive, said in a statement, “Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against sever 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.”
Both companies are working to retool their vaccine to focus the immune system to fight omicron, while researching to see if it’s a necessary measure.