Pfizer looking to combat the risk of reinfection due to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant is preparing a vaccine to act as a booster shot against the variant. Pfizer is likely to ready the vaccine aimed at the Delta variant and ask for FDA authorization for it as early as next month.
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The push for the booster comes as recent studies have shown that antibodies against Covid (post vaccine) decline significantly after a period of 6 months.
Pfizer stated, "We continue to believe that it is likely, based on the totality of the data we have to date, that a third dose may be needed within 6 to 12 months after full vaccination.” Pfizer's own data from the United States showed an erosion of the vaccine efficacy to the mid-80s after six months.
Clinical studies could begin as early as August, subject to regulatory approvals, the companies said.