Pfizer to Seek Approval for COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot

Thus far, there are 3 COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use in the United States — two of which require 2 doses to be fully effective and 1 of which requires 1 dose.

New health and safety signage in Disneyland

The Pfizer vaccine is one of the ones that requires 2 doses. Will a third dose of this COVID-19 vaccine (or booster shots for the other vaccines) be recommended in the future? Well, we’ve previously shared news about one company that indicated COVID-19 booster shots will likely be needed, and now we’ve got an update.

The Hill has recently reported on an announcement made by Pfizer and BioNTech. According to The Hill, the companies have indicated that they plan to request authorization from the Food and Drink Administration (“FDA”) for a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine.

Note that it was the CEO of Pfizer that previously indicated people would “likely” need to receive an annual dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, much like the flu vaccine.

Pfizer and BioNTech have said that this booster would provide even stronger protection against COVID-19. According to a statement released by the companies, they have seen “encouraging data” when it comes to this booster shot for their vaccine.

Reportedly, this booster shot, when administered 6 months after the 2nd dose, can provide levels of “neutralizing antibodies five to 10 times higher.”

Will this third dose get approved and ultimately recommended? Well, as The Hill notes, that will ultimately be up to FDA as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”).

The Hill shares that so far U.S. officials have said it’s not clear whether the booster shot is needed.