Pfizer to ready Covid vaccine booster dose aimed at Delta variant as early as next month

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.