In a Thursday press release, Pfizer has announced that the results of a study have shown 95.6% efficacy that booster shots of Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine can prevent the severity of symptoms in symptomatic Covid-19 patients.
The study was based on more than 10,000 participants with different age groups of people from 16 and above. The average time each of the participants received the third dose of vaccine was 11 months after the second dose. Moreover, some participants received placebo shots, while others received the third dose of the vaccine. Out of all the participants, there were 109 patients who received placebo shots that came positive for Covid-19, while only 5 participants who received the third dose were affected by the virus.
After calculating the results of this controlled study, which was conducted while the delta variant was threatening American lives, the company concluded that the booster shots had shown 95.6% efficacy and the “efficacy was consistent irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity or comorbid conditions.”
While revealing the results in a press release on Thursday, the Chief and CEO of Pfizer, Albert Bourla said, “These results provide further evidence of the benefits of boosters as we aim to keep people well-protected against this disease. In addition to our efforts to increase global access and uptake among the unvaccinated, we believe boosters have a critical role to play in addressing the ongoing public health threat of this pandemic.”
Bourla further added, “We look forward to sharing these data with health authorities and working together to determine how they can be used to support the rollout of booster doses around the world.”
Previously, in September, the FDA had approved booster shots for emergency use for the most vulnerable patients to Covid-19 and the people who are above the age of 65. Moreover, to prevent the spread, those who are more exposed to Coronavirus due to their work commitments were also advised.
After the results, on Wednesday, FDA allowed booster shots of Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine to those who are eligible for the third dose. Those who are fully vaccinated with the Moderna or J&J vaccine are also allowed to get the booster shot as a mix-match approach.
Now the CDC director must decide whether to sign ACIP guidance for booster shots and a mix-and-match approach. The answer to this will be revealed on Thursday when the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, officials from CDC, and Prevention’s vaccine advisers will meet and decide whether the approach is suitable for the masses or not.
