Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine third dose likely needed within 1 year: CEO Albert Bourla
Advertisement
Washington: Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla said people will likely need a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine within 12 months of getting fully inoculated.
Bourla said on Thursday that it is possible people will need to get vaccinated against the coronavirus annually.
"We need to see what would be the sequence, and for how often we need to do that, that remains to be seen," he told CNBC.
"A likely scenario is that there will be likely a need for a third dose, somewhere between six and 12 months and then from there, there will be an annual re-vaccination, but all of that needs to be confirmed. And again, the variants will play a key role," he said.
Pfizer said earlier this month that its Covid-19 vaccine was more than 91 percent effective at protecting against the coronavirus, and more than 95 percent effective against severe disease up to six months after the second dose.
The data was based on more than 12,000 vaccinated participants.
Researchers are still working on how long protection against the virus lasts once individuals have been fully vaccinated.
Read also: First dose of AstraZeneca, Pfizer COVID-19 shots get equally strong antibody response from elderly
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.